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Let’s Talk: What Causes Breast Cancer and How Can it be Prevented?

Even though your chance of getting breast cancer is relatively low – women in the U.S. have only a 1-8 chance of being diagnosed with the disease – it's still the second most common cancer affecting women. Not all of the causes are known, but factors like genetics can play a role. Things like a healthy diet, exercise, regular sleep habits, and reducing stress in your life can contribute to prevention. 

What really causes breast cancer?

Breast cancer has many causes, some of which are unknown. When DNA inside a cell is damaged, that cell can become cancerous. Radiation exposure and other cancer-causing substances can damage breast cancer cells and cause breast cancer.

Some women are also born with a genetic predisposition to breast cancer. But in most cases, the cause is not known. Even young, healthy women with no family history of breast cancer or significant carcinogen exposure can get the disease.

The Christ Hospital's Let's Talk team of doctors standing in front of a brick wall

How can I reduce my risk of breast cancer?

Staying healthy in general can reduce your risk of breast cancer and other diseases.

Make the following lifestyle modifications to reduce your risk of breast cancer:

  • Eat a healthy diet low in animal fat and processed carbs and high in whole grains, plant-based proteins and phytochemicals.
  • Exercise more than 150 minutes every week through a combination of cardio and strength training.
  • Don't smoke, or if you do smoke, talk to your primary care physician about quitting.
  • Get seven to nine hours of sleep every night.
  • Look for lifestyle modifications to reduce stress, such as meditation.
  • Drink less than five or six alcoholic beverages per week.

Have more questions about breast cancer? Our breast experts can help.

​Dr. Manders has been recognized as a Top Doctor by Cincinnati Magazine for seven consecutive years, and has received numerous awards and grants throughout her career. She is active on several committees and boards, has been actively involved in developing many different programs and is well-published in her field. A board-certified general surgeon, she is also member of The American College of Surgeons, American Society of Breast Surgeons and Society of Surgical Oncology.

Let’s Talk: What Causes Breast Cancer and How Can it be Prevented? Learn what causes breast cancer and how to reduce your risk in our newest installment of the “Let’s Talk, Ladies” health program.

Even though your chance of getting breast cancer is relatively low – women in the U.S. have only a 1-8 chance of being diagnosed with the disease – it's still the second most common cancer affecting women. Not all of the causes are known, but factors like genetics can play a role. Things like a healthy diet, exercise, regular sleep habits, and reducing stress in your life can contribute to prevention. 

What really causes breast cancer?

Breast cancer has many causes, some of which are unknown. When DNA inside a cell is damaged, that cell can become cancerous. Radiation exposure and other cancer-causing substances can damage breast cancer cells and cause breast cancer.

Some women are also born with a genetic predisposition to breast cancer. But in most cases, the cause is not known. Even young, healthy women with no family history of breast cancer or significant carcinogen exposure can get the disease.

The Christ Hospital's Let's Talk team of doctors standing in front of a brick wall

How can I reduce my risk of breast cancer?

Staying healthy in general can reduce your risk of breast cancer and other diseases.

Make the following lifestyle modifications to reduce your risk of breast cancer:

  • Eat a healthy diet low in animal fat and processed carbs and high in whole grains, plant-based proteins and phytochemicals.
  • Exercise more than 150 minutes every week through a combination of cardio and strength training.
  • Don't smoke, or if you do smoke, talk to your primary care physician about quitting.
  • Get seven to nine hours of sleep every night.
  • Look for lifestyle modifications to reduce stress, such as meditation.
  • Drink less than five or six alcoholic beverages per week.

Have more questions about breast cancer? Our breast experts can help.

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