Modifiable Breast Cancer Risk Factors

Modifiable Breast Cancer Risk Factors

• Combination hormone therapy after menopause. Hormone therapy that uses both estrogen and progestin after menopause has shown a modest increase in invasive breast cancer occurrence.
• Obesity in postmenopausal women. Overweight postmenopausal women are also at modestly increased risk for breast cancer.
• Alcohol intake. Drinking more than 3 or 4 alcoholic beverages per week has been linked to higher breast cancer risk.
• Lactation. Breastfeeding can help reduce risk for breast cancer. A lifetime nursing history of 18 months or more is needed for this protection. For example, 2 children nursing for more than 9 months each.
• Activity level. People who get less regular exercise are more likely to develop breast cancer. Talk to your physician about developing an exercise plan that’s right for you.