Understanding Breast Cancer

The basics

A breast is made up of three main parts: lobules, ducts, and connective tissue. Breast cancer, at its core, is a complex disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the breast tissue and most breast cancers begin the ducts or lobules. It affects both women and men, although it is far more common in the former.

When breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it is said to have metastasized.

Signs & symptoms

Breast cancer symptoms vary by person, and some people may not have any symptoms. 

Warning signs may include:

• New lump in the breast or underarm/armpit
• Thickening or swelling in part of the breast
• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
• Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood
• Any change in the size or shape of the breast
• Pain in any area of the breast
• Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area

Please note, these symptoms may happen with other conditions that are not cancerous. 

Risk factors

Your risk for breast cancer is due to a combination of factors. The main factors that influence your risk are gender and age, as most breast cancers occur in women over 50. Other risk factors include:

• Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
• Physical inactivity
• Being overweight or obese after menopause
• Taking hormones
• Starting menstrual periods before age 12 and menopause after 55
• Drinking alcohol
• Tobacco use

Preventive testing

Mammograms play a key role in early breast cancer detection and help decrease breast cancer deaths. A mammogram is an X-ray image of your breasts used to screen for breast cancer. It is the best screening test available today to find breast cancer in women. A mammogram can find breast cancer in a person years before physical symptoms develop. 

Screening recommendation updates

In May 2023, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued new recommendations for breast cancer screenings. 

In short, the task force now recommends women:

• Start breast cancer screening at age 40 instead of the previously recommended age of 50
• Get screening mammograms every other year from ages 40-74. 

Additionally, the USPSTF highlighted the need for more research into screening disparities faced by different racial groups in the U.S. and into the benefits of breast ultrasound and MRI for women with dense breasts. 

Talk to your provider about your risk level and what screening options make the most sense for you. 

Lifestyle-related breast cancer risks

Maintain a healthy weight

Having more fat tissue can increase your chance of getting breast cancer by raising estrogen levels. Also, women who are overweight tend to have higher levels of insulin, another hormone. If you’re carrying extra pounds, losing as little as 5-10% of your weight improves your overall health. 

Limit alcohol

Alcohol is a strong risk factor for many cancers, including breast cancer. Limit alcohol to one drink or less a day for women and two drinks or less a day for men. 

Did you know women who have 2-3 alcoholic drinks per day have a 20% higher risk of breast cancer than women who don’t drink alcohol?

Stop using tobacco

Tobacco use can cause cancer almost anywhere in the body. Smoke from cigarettes, cigars, and pipes has at least 70 cancer-causing chemicals, many of which can damage DNA. 

Healthy nutrition

Eating a diet that includes whole fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, fish, and unsaturated fats can help reduce the risk of cancer. 

Antioxidant-rich foods and vitamins

Antioxidants are chemicals naturally produced in foods. They help protect the body from free radicals and oxidative stress, which is often thought to contribute to inflammatory conditions, certain cancers, the process of aging, and the increase risk of developing chronic disease. 

• Vitamin C: Broccoli, brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, tomatoes, and citrus fruits
• Vitamin D: Salmon, oysters, herring, and tuna fish. You can also find fortified orange juice or cereals. 
• Vitamin E: Almonds, avocado, sunflower seeds, oatmeal, and legumes
• Beta carotene: Apricots, cantaloupe, mangos, carrots, grapefruit, and bell peppers
• Selenium: Eggs, tuna, salmon, brown rice, onions, and many other vegetables.

Limit or avoid processed foods

• Reduce red or processed meats: Limit beef, hot dogs, bacon, and sausage. Choose baked chicken, fish, or fiber-rich beans more often. 
• Reduce highly processed foods: Fast food, packaged snack foods like chips and cookies, and candy are all highly processed. 
• Avoid sugary beverages: Sweetened coffees and teas and soft drinks are all high in sugar. 

Want to learn more?

Contact your provider to discuss lifestyle habits that may help reduce your risk!