Breast Cancer: Understanding Risk Factors

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is here again, and chances are, you already know some of the basics: breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in your breast tissue grow uncontrollably; breast cancer most commonly (but not always) manifests as a lump on your breast; and routine mammograms are the best way to catch breast cancer early. These “whats” and “hows” are all worth reiterating, but there’s one category that can be tricky to pin down: the “whys.” As in, why do people get breast cancer?  

Like plenty of other illnesses, the conversation surrounding what causes breast cancer is often muddied by urban legends, personal anecdotes and deliberate misinformation. But the truth is that breast cancer isn’t caused by anything specific, but a combination of risk factors – some avoidable, some not, and none that have anything to do with whether your deodorant is all natural. Below, we’ll explore the factors that may heighten your risk of developing breast cancer, and clear the air about what won’t.  

Breast Cancer Risk: True or False?

Here are some of the most common misconceptions surrounding breast cancer causes, courtesy of the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute:  

• FALSE: Deodorants and antiperspirants can cause breast cancer
• One reason why this rumor may be so common: people are often advised not to wear deodorant or antiperspirant during mammograms, but not because they’re carcinogenic. The aluminum flecks found in some of these products can show up in imaging results, making them difficult to accurately read.  
• FALSE: Underwire bras increase your breast cancer risk.
• Some people believe that underwires bras – or, in some cases, all bras – block or slow down the lymphatic drainage process, trapping toxins in your chest and increasing your breast cancer risk. Fortunately, our lymphatic system is smarter than that.  
• FALSE: You can get breast cancer from breast implants
• People with breast implants have not been shown to have an increased risk of breast cancer, but the origins of this rumor might be based on a rare type of cancer that breast implants are sometimes associated with, called anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL).  
• FALSE: Only women are at risk of developing breast cancer
• While women account for 99% of breast cancer cases, make no mistake – men can have breast cancer, too. In fact, because men have less breast tissue, breast cancer in men tends to spread faster and be caught later on average. The genders also share similar risk factors.

What Factors Do Increase Your Risk?

Breast cancer is caused by a variety of risk factors interacting in a way that makes conditions just right for cells to mutate. It doesn’t mean a risk factor alone can cause breast cancer, nor does it mean you are guaranteed to get breast cancer if any of these risk factors apply. Similarly, not having obvious risk factors doesn’t mean you aren’t at risk.  

• Your age impacts your breast cancer risk, especially if you’re 50 or older. For women, those who have their first child after 30 (or never have children at all) or have late menopause (after age 55) are at an increased risk. For men, most breast cancers occur between ages 60-70.
• Genetics play a major role in breast cancer risk, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer and/or BRCA1 or BRCA23 gene mutations.
• Dense breast tissue, which can sometimes show up on standard mammograms in a way that can resemble or obscure cancer, making it more difficult to detect. Many people only learn they have dense breast tissue when they receive mammogram results.  
• Lifestyle factors like obesity, physical inactivity, consuming alcohol and smoking can also impact your breast cancer risk.

Taking the Next Step

So, you know your breast cancer risk – or you’re at least aware of the actual factors that heighten your chances of being diagnosed. Now what? 

• Mammograms are recommended for women beginning at age 40, but if you have a higher risk of breast cancer or notice any changes in your breasts, ask your doctor about starting earlier. For women with dense breast tissue, AtlantiCare offers 3D mammography, an advanced type of mammogram that can provide a more accurate screening.
• Monthly self-exams can help you catch early signs of breast cancer. To perform a self-exam, stand in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides, then raise them overhead. Look for changes in shape, skin texture or nipple alignment. Then, lay down. Use your right hand to check your left breast and vice versa. Move fingers in small circular motions, covering the entire breast from outer edge to nipple.
• Genetic testing or counseling is ideal for those with a family history of breast cancer, or for those who aren’t sure about their genetic background. Genetic counselors can help you take preventive measures suited to your unique needs.  
• Risk assessments can provide clarity, reassurance or guidance about your cancer risk. AtlantiCare’s Women’s Cancer Risk Assessment, for example, is a comprehensive evaluation designed to identify individual risk and guide personalized screening and prevention strategies.
• Lifestyle changes like exercise, eating a balanced diet, limiting alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight may help lower your risk of breast cancer.

Knowing your breast cancer risk can empower you to make more proactive and tailored decisions about your health. For more information, visit AtlantiCare.org/BreastCancer.