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How To Prevent Breast Cancer
Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, forming tumors. If not detected and treated early, such cells can metastasize (spread) to nearby tissues and other parts of your body, causing more harm.
World Health Organization. Breast cancer.
About one in three cancers that occur in people assigned female at birth (AFAB) each year is attributed to breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). It is also estimated that about 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer—the most common type of breast cancer— will be diagnosed in AFAB in 2024.23
There is no surefire way to prevent breast cancer completely, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing this condition, such as going for routine screenings and making some lifestyle changes.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Breast cancer can occur at any point in life and can affect anyone. But some people are at a greater risk of developing it—such as people assigned female at birth and those with a family history of breast cancer.4
Sex and Gender Factors
An estimated 99% of breast cancers occur in females, as opposed to 0.5-1% in males.1 Available evidence suggests this may be because females have more breast cells that are vulnerable to the female reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone.5
At this time, only a few research studies have looked into how breast cancer risk differs for transgender people compared to cisgender people. However, more research on how breast cancer affects trans people is ongoing.
One study, which included 2260 adult trans women and 1229 adult trans men, found an increased risk of breast cancer in trans women compared to cisgender men and a reduced risk in transgender men compared to cisgender women. The study also observed an increase in breast cancer risk during a relatively short duration of hormone treatment in the trans women group, further highlighting the role hormones may play in breast cancer development.
Age-Related Factors
Also notable, only a small number of breast cancer cases are found in people under the age of 45, indicating this type of cancer is more common in middle-aged and older women. This implies that age is also a risk factor for this condition.3
American Cancer Society. Key statistics for breast cancer.
Other Risk Factors
Additional risk factors for breast cancer may include:751
Having a personal or family history of breast disease, breast cancer, or ovarian cancer
Possessing mutations in the BRCA genes
Living with dense breast tissue
Undergoing breast therapy
Getting your period at an early age (before 12 years)
Giving birth for the first time after 30 years of age or never giving birth
Taking contraceptives (e.g., birth control)
Using hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
How To Reduce Risk
Factors like family history, age, and sex are non-modifiable, meaning you have no control over them. However, you can change other lifestyle risk factors. Consider the following prevention strategies.