How to Prevent Breast Cancer in Women

Introduction

Breast cancer is considered one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, though it can also be seen in men. The number of breast cancer cases is increasing globally, coinciding with the ageing population, lifestyle factors, genetics and improved detection methods. While breast cancer cannot be prevented completely, adopting certain lifestyle choices and healthy habits can help in reducing the risk of occurrence. An awareness regarding the importance of regular screening can help in early detection even before the presence of certain symptoms and initiate appropriate management.  

In this blog, we will discuss what breast cancer is, the causes of breast cancer and how it develops, its risk factors, how to reduce the modifiable risk factors and the role of regular breast cancer screening. 

What Is Breast Cancer?

A breast is made up of three main parts, which include lobules producing the milk; ducts, carrying the milk; and connective tissue, which holds these structures together. Breast cancer is the abnormal growth and multiplication of any of these cells¹. Breast cancer usually develops as a result of some changes in the genetic material (genetic mutations). This can be either passed from their parents (inherited) or as a random event of mutations in their lifetime. Though these changes do not result in cancer in the first place, multiple such mutations can eventually result in cancer².  

Breast cancer can develop both in men and women, although women are most commonly affected. Breast cancer in its early stages is not considered potentially fatal. However, if it is not addressed, it can spread to the adjacent lymph nodes or other organs³.  

Can Breast Cancer Be Prevented?

Breast cancer develops as a result of some mutations in the cells, which can be either passed from the parents (inherited) or occur as a random event in one’s lifetime. Thus, breast cancer  prevention  overall might be difficult. However, its occurrence is linked to certain risk factors, some of which can be modified by adopting a healthy lifestyle or other measures. Reducing thesemodifiable risk factors can help lower the chances of developing breast cancer and the complications associated with it.

Who Is at Risk of Breast Cancer

Any factor that can increase the chances of occurrence of cancer are called risk factors. These two fall into two categories: factors you cannot change, such as age, sex and genetics, and factors you may be able to modify through lifestyle and other choices. Both are covered in detail below⁴ 

Risk Factors You Cannot Change

• Sex: Females are at an increased risk of being affected with breast cancer. When compared to men, women carry the risk of incidence approximately 100 times more². Approximately 99% of breast cancers occur in women, whereas only 0.5-1% occur in men³.
• Age: Advancing age shows an increased chance for occurrence of breast cancer^2,3. A 70-year-old woman carries about ten times more risk when compared to a 30-year-old woman². For the same reason, cancer screening is recommended in women who are 40 years or older. 
• Family history: Women with any history of cancer in their families are more prone to get affected. It is found that 1 in 4 cases of breast cancer are related to a positive family history. Women with first-degree relatives, including mothers or sisters, are more prone to get affected with the condition⁵. 
• Genetics: If any mutations in certain genes which are associated with breast cancer are present, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, there is an increased risk of developing the condition⁴.
• Reproductive History: Menarche before the age of 12 and menopause after the age of 55 can lead to prolonged exposure to certain hormones, which can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. 
• Increased Breast Density: Women with increased breast density are more prone to get breast cancer. The presence of dense breasts can also make it difficult to detect cancer in a mammogram. 
• Previous history of breast cancer: Women having a history of breast cancer are more prone to develop cancer in future. Some non-cancerous breast diseases can also put the person at an increased risk for developing breast cancer. 
• History of radiation therapy: Women who have undergone radiotherapy on the chest or breast before the age of 30 years are more prone to develop breast cancer in future. 
• Exposure to certain drugs: Women who have taken diethylstilbestrol (DES) during their pregnancy are at higher risk of developing breast cancer. Women whose mothers took this drug during their pregnancy are also more prone to get cancer⁶. 

Risk Factors You May Be Able to Modify

• Being physically active: Maintaining regular physical activity can help in avoiding the risk of breast cancer in women. Women who regularly follow physical activities had a 12-21% lower risk when compared to those who do not, as suggested by some studies⁷. 
• Limiting alcohol intake: Limiting the consumption of alcohol might be beneficial in reducing the risk associated with breast cancer^4,8. 
• Increased body weight: Increased body weight, especially after menopause, can increase the risk of occurrence of breast cancer⁴. Thus, keeping weight in check by regular exercise and a healthy diet can help lower the risk. 
• Hormonal Therapy: Certain hormonal therapies, when taken for more than 5 years, such as oestrogen and progesterone, that are taken during the menopause can increase the risk for breast cancer. Intake of certain birth control pills can also increase the risk⁶. Discussing alternatives with your doctor may help lower risk. 
• Breastfeeding: As no breastfeeding can be associated with breast cancer risk⁶, if possible, breastfeeding for at least a few months after delivery should be done. While this cannot be considered a preventive measure, it can help with modest risk reduction. 
• Pregnancy Planning: Women planning for pregnancy can discuss their reproductive history and risk factors for cancer with their healthcare provider and can take appropriate preventive strategies. 
• Healthy diet: Intake of a diet containing vitamin D, fibre, and folate and low in saturated fat and grilled meat might be beneficial in reducing the risk of incidence. Since more studies are needed to validate this association between diet and risk reduction, diet is considered a possible contributing factor in cancer development⁸.

Additional Ways to Help Reduce the Risk of Breast Cancer

Beyond the modifiable lifestyle factors above, two further options exist for people at higher-than-average-risk.These include⁹:

• Medicines to reduce the risk of cancer incidence: Selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs): These medicines selectively act on certain tissues. They act by mimicking oestrogen on certain tissues and blocking it on other tissues. They include two medicines named tamoxifen and raloxifene. Tamoxifen can be used both in premenopausal and postmenopausal cases.  
• Aromatase Inhibitors: They act by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme which is involved in the production of oestrogen hormones. It is indicated for use in women of post menopausal age. However, these medicines are not approved by the FDA. 

Hormone therapies can have both benefits and side effects. These risk-reducing medicines are usually recommended for women in the high-risk category. Please talk to your healthcare professional for an appropriate decision based on your individualised factors. 

• Prophylactic surgery: In people who possess an increased risk due to genetic or family history of breast cancer, removal of some tissues or organs might help in reducing the risk. Surgical removal of the breast on both sides (bilateral mastectomy) is the most commonly done procedure. This is recommended only for women with a high risk for breast cancer and can only be decided by your doctor. 

The Role of Screening and Early Detection

Regular screening and early diagnosis can help in initiating the management strategies as soon as possible. Though it cannot prevent the occurrence of cancer, some of the early changes in cancer can be detected by regular screening, even before the appearance of symptoms. Early detection helps initiate treatment earlier, improving the outcomes and reducing the chances of complications or deaths by the cancer¹⁰.  

There are some specific tests can be used for breast cancer screening. Assessment of risk factors is also included as part of screening to understand the overall risk. Your doctor can decide which screening tests are best for you based on your risk factors and health concerns. These can be: 

• Breast Examinations: It can be self or clinical examinations of the breast. Having self-awareness of your breasts can help in understanding what the normal appearance of breasts is, and it can help in noticing unusual symptoms such as any lumps, pain or size changes better. Clinical examination is done by a healthcare professional to feel for any unusual changes¹¹. Any changes found during self-examination need to be discussed with your doctor. 
• Mammogram: It helps in identifying breast cancer even before symptoms by X-ray radiation. If a mammogram is abnormal, additional X-rays and tests might be needed to confirm the diagnosis¹². 
• Breast Ultrasound: In women with dense breasts, breast ultrasound along with mammography can be used^11,13. 
• Breast MRI: Breast MRI is done in high-risk cases for cancer along with mammography. Breast MRI is more sensitive and is preferred in women with dense breasts¹¹.
• Genetic Testing: Tests which detect mutations that might lead to breast cancer are available. The sample for this test can include blood or tissue samples. Most recognised genes for breast cancer are BRCA1 and BRCA2, and due to this, they are most commonly detected in genetic testing. However, multi-gene panels are also available targeting other genes such as PTEN, TP53, STK11, CDH1 and PALB2 that predispose to breast cancer¹³.

Every cancer screening method possesses benefits and drawbacks. Weighing these factors can help in finding the appropriate tests for you, and your healthcare provider can decide the best one for you. 

Warning Signs of Breast Cancer to Watch For

The appearance of breasts can be different in different people. Changes in breasts can be determined by factors such as age, menstruation, taking certain medicines and body weight. However, having a basic understanding of warning signs of breast cancer can help in diagnosing the condition earlier and taking the appropriate management strategies¹⁴: 

• Appearance of a new swelling in the breast or armpit. 
• Irritation of the breast skin. 
• Indentations in the breast. 
• Thickening in any part of the breast. 
• Reddish, flaky skin seen in the nipple area. 
• Inward pulling of nipple or associated pain. 
• Abnormal nipple discharge. 
• Persistent pain in any area of the breast. 
• Changes in size or shape of the breast. 

Breast cancer symptoms can be different in different people. It can vary from no symptoms to a few breast cancer symptoms. In some, signs can coincide with other conditions that are not cancers. Proper testing at regular intervals can be beneficial in such cases. If any signs occur, please talk to your doctor and take appropriate measures. 

Also Read: Breast Cancer: What It Is, Types, Early Signs, Treatment & Prevention

When to Consult a Doctor?

Though not all symptoms reflect breast cancer, noticing any unusual signs and discuss with your doctor can help in avoiding unnecessary anxiety. Understanding when to consult your doctor can help in timely diagnosis and treatment. Consult your doctor¹⁵: 

• As part of regular breast cancer screening. 
• If any unexplained changes are noticed in the breast. 
• If any symptoms suggest breast cancer, such as a breast or armpit lump or nipple discharge. 
• If you have already undergone cancer treatment and develop symptoms such as new lumps or rash in the breast, discharges from the nipple and pain related to the chest, stomach or bones. 

Conclusion

Breast cancer is considered one of the most common cancers affecting women. Although breast cancer cannot be completely prevented, a proper understanding of risk factors for breast cancer can help in following healthy choices and thereby reduce the chances of occurrence. Regular participation in screening programmes can also be helpful in early detection and prompt management of the condition. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. CDC. Breast Cancer Basics. Breast Cancer. April 16, 2026. Accessed August 12, 2026. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/about/index.html 

2. Breast Cancer Prevention (PDQ®) – NCI. February 10, 2026. Accessed August 12, 2026. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/hp/breast-prevention-pdq 

3. Breast cancer. Accessed August 12, 2026. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer 

4. Causes and Risk Factors | Breast Cancer – NCI. December 2, 2025. Accessed August 12, 2026. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/causes-risk-factors 

5. Sun YS, Zhao Z, Yang ZN, et al. Risk Factors and Preventions of Breast Cancer. Int J Biol Sci. 2017;13(11):1387-1397. doi:10.7150/ijbs.21635 Available from:  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5715522/

6. CDC. Breast Cancer Risk Factors. Breast Cancer. April 15, 2026. Accessed August 14, 2026. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/risk-factors/index.html 

7. Physical Activity and Cancer Fact Sheet – NCI. February 18, 2020. Accessed August 12, 2026. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/obesity/physical-activity-fact-sheet 

8. Kotepui M. Diet and risk of breast cancer. Contemp Oncol. 2016;20(1):13-19. doi:10.5114/wo.2014.40560 Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27095934/

9. Breast Cancer Prevention – NCI. August 6, 2025. Accessed August 12, 2026. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/causes-risk-factors/prevention 

10. Cancer Screening Overview – NCI. January 13, 2010. Accessed August 12, 2026. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/screening/patient-screening-overview-pdq 

11. Screening for Breast Cancer – NCI. August 6, 2025. Accessed August 12, 2026. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/screening 

12. CDC. About Mammograms. Breast Cancer. September 11, 2024. Accessed August 12, 2026. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/about/mammograms.html 

13. Lynch J, Venne V, Berse B. Genetic tests to identify risk for breast cancer. Semin Oncol Nurs. 2015;31(2):100-107. doi:10.1016/j.soncn.2015.02.007 Available from:  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25951739/

14. CDC. Symptoms of Breast Cancer. Breast Cancer. April 15, 2026. Accessed August 12, 2026. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/symptoms/index.html 

15. Breast cancer: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Accessed August 12, 2026. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000913.htm 

16. CDC. Screening for Breast Cancer. Breast Cancer. February 6, 2025. Accessed August 12, 2026. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/screening/index.html 

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