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Breast Cancer Profiler Main
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Certain lifestyle-related traits appear to increase breast cancer risk and research is ongoing to determine how these behaviors contribute to the disease. High-fat Diet Diets high in fat have been associated with an increased risk for breast cancer. It has been suggested that differences in dietary fat content may account for the variations in breast cancer incidence observed among different countries. The incidence of breast cancer is significantly lower in Japan, Thailand, Nigeria, and India. Denmark, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the United Stages have a higher incidence of breast cancer, which may be related to dietary influences. The results of dietary studies need to be tested further to fully define the role of diet in developing breast cancer. In the meantime, women should try to follow a low fat (saturated fat) diet and limit their daily fat intake to less than 20 to 30 percent of calories. Alcohol Moderate alcohol intake (two or more drinks per day) appears to slightly increase breast cancer risk. Obesity Weight gain and obesity has also been suggested to increase the risk of breast cancer. One possible explanation for this enhanced risk is the increased levels of estrogen that occur with increased body fat. Specific body enzymes contained in fat tissue are able to make more estrogen that may adversely affect breast tissue. Socioeconomic Status Breast cancer incidence is greater in women of higher education and socioeconomic background. This relationship is most likely related to lifestyle differences, such as age at first birth. Radiation Exposure Women whose breasts were exposed to radiation during their childhood are at increased risk for developing breast cancer during their lifetime. This is especially true for those who were treated with radiation for Hodgkin Lymphoma. The younger the woman was when she received radiation treatment, the greater the risk for developing breast cancer. An increased rate of breast cancer has also been observed in survivors of the atomic bomb explosions in Japan after about 15 to 20 years from the exposure. Additional Factors Additional factors that may be related to breast cancer risk (may either increase or decrease) and that are currently being studied include pesticide and other chemical exposures, induced abortion, physical inactivity and selective estrogen-receptor modulators such as tamoxifen and raloxifene.  This content is reviewed regularly. Last Updated 6/6/2007
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