Every day, 58 people in Australia are diagnosed with breast cancer, meaning families are impacted—directly or indirectly—more than by any other type of cancer.
While some risk factors can’t be changed, such as age, gender and family history, others can. Here are some ways to help reduce your risk, based on guidance from the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF).
How to reduce your risk of breast cancer
Alcohol intake
The risk of breast cancer increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. Research suggests that around 6% of breast cancer cases each year are associated with alcohol.
Maintaining a healthy weight
Maintaining a healthy weight, particularly after menopause, can reduce your risk. It’s estimated that around 8% of postmenopausal breast cancer cases in Australia are linked to being overweight or obese.
Physical activity
The more active you are, the greater the health benefits. Women who exercise regularly have a lower risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who don’t.
Smoking
Smoking is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, particularly for those who started smoking at a younger age. Quitting smoking can help reduce this risk.
Having children and breastfeeding
Some life factors are less within our control, but research suggests that with each child a woman has, the risk of breast cancer may decrease by around 7%. Changes in breast cells during pregnancy and breastfeeding are thought to make them less likely to become cancerous.
Changing the statistics
Since NBCF began funding research in 1994, the death rate from breast cancer has reduced by more than 40%. Breast cancer detected early is now largely treatable, with five-year survival rates improving to 92%.
Learn more about NBCF’s research and their goal of zero deaths from breast cancer by 2030 on the National Breast Cancer Foundation website.
