Research shows there are many risk factors for breast cancer. These risk factors can be related to biology, lifestyle, genetics and more. While being born female and getting older both increase your risk for breast cancer, other factors may reduce your risk. Adding exercise into your routine or limiting alcohol intake are two lifestyle choices that could reduce your risk. While we know more today about breast cancer than ever before, we still don’t know what causes breast cancer to develop in a certain person at a certain time.
It can be difficult to find accurate information about what proven behaviors or factors impact breast cancer risk versus myths or misconceptions. What do people do when they want to learn more about their risk of breast cancer? Typically, they go straight to the internet or social media instead of a reliable source such as their doctor.
“Dr. Google” can be quite scary and unreliable depending on what you’re looking for. How do you know what information is factual? Who can you trust?
While there are a lot of trusted resources available online, komen.org prides itself on being the main source of safe, accurate and evidence-based information about breast cancer.
Here are a few evidence-based facts about breast cancer risk everyone should know.
Fact: Most women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a personal or family history of breast cancer.
One of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to breast cancer risk is that you don’t have to be concerned if you don’t have a family history of breast cancer. The fact is, only about 15% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a close family member with a history of breast cancer, so NOT having a family history doesn’t mean you’re “safe” or you don’t have to be aware of your risk of breast cancer.
Those who have a family history of breast cancer do have an increased risk, so it’s important to have conversations with both sides of your family about your family health history.
Fact: Deodorant does not cause breast cancer.
We’ve all seen the headlines on social media about what people think causes breast cancer, but in this case, research doesn’t show a link between deodorant use and breast cancer. The largest study, which included more than 800 women with breast cancer, found no increase in risk from use of either deodorant or antiperspirant.
Fact: Sugar does not cause breast cancer cells to grow.
A few studies have found no difference in breast cancer risk between women who ate a lot of sugar (or drank a lot of sugar-sweetened beverages) and those who ate little sugar. However, be mindful that eating a lot of sugar can lead to weight gain, which is a risk factor for breast cancer. Ultimately, limiting sugar is a wise decision for your overall health.
Fact: Wearing an underwire bra (or any type of bra) does not increase the risk of breast cancer.
There is no scientific evidence that supports a link between wearing an underwire bra and breast cancer risk.
Remember, it’s important to educate yourself on your risk of breast cancer, ask questions and talk with your doctor about your risk. Understanding your risk of breast cancer can empower you to take an active role in shared decision-making with your doctor.
For more information on risk factors supported by scientific evidence for breast cancer, visit the Factors Linked to Breast Cancer Risk page or risk factors table.
You can also take the Breast Health IQ Challenge, test your knowledge of risk and have a little fun in the process!
If you have more questions, call the Susan G. Komen Patient Care Center at 1-877 GO Komen (1-877-465-6636)
