A new survey of nearly 33,000 U.S. women found that while most women know certain habits can raise their breast cancer risk, few are meeting the recommended goals. The survey, conducted by the American Cancer Society, looked at several breast cancer risk factors, including physical activity, alcohol use, weight, smoking, family history, and breastfeeding.
The investigators concentrated on risk factors that can be altered through daily habits. They examined how women’s awareness corresponded with whether their self-reported actions matched medical guidelines. Because the participants were already enrolled in cancer studies, they might possess greater breast-cancer knowledge than typical women.
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Ninety-one percent of women knew that inactivity can increase breast cancer risk, but only 27% met recommended activity levels. Alcohol showed a similar pattern, with 85% of women knowing that drinking increases breast cancer risk, yet 69% reported drinking at least some alcohol.
Weight was another area where knowledge didn’t always translate into behavior. Eighty-nine percent of women knew that carrying excess weight can increase breast cancer risk, while 47% met the study’s healthy-weight goal. Smoking had the smallest gap, with 99% of women knowing it raises risk, and 71% reported being nonsmokers.
Understanding Risk Factors
Ninety-nine percent of women knew that having a family history increases breast cancer risk, even though more than 85% of women who develop breast cancer don’t have a family history. Breastfeeding was the least recognized protective factor, with just 55% of women knowing it can lower breast cancer risk, dropping to 45% among Black women in the survey.
The survey highlights the disconnect between knowing the risks and taking action. Health behaviors are influenced by various factors, including time, money, access to nutritious food, and safe places to walk. While lifestyle changes can’t guarantee that someone won’t develop breast cancer, they can help influence the risk factors that are within one’s control.
Making Lifestyle Changes
The aim is to target adjustments that fit individual lifestyles and can be sustained over time. For many, adding a modest amount of activity each week and being more deliberate about alcohol intake represent clear starting points. By tweaking routine decisions, women can potentially lessen their breast-cancer risk.