Western lifestyle risk factors

There are several risk factors associated with higher incidence of breast cancer. 

Those linked to a western lifestyle are:

  • Exposure to high levels of estrogen;
  • Post-menopausal obesity;
  • High-fat and high-protein diet during adolescence;
  • Excessive alcohol consumption;
  • A sedentary lifestyle;
  • No children, or late pregnancies (after the age of 35)


Note that, individually, each of these factors has a very limited effect on cancer risk. 

However, together and through time, their influence adds, increasing the individual’s chances of breast cancer. 

A positive point:

  •  All these factors are linked to personal lifestyle and choices, and can be modified to diminish disease risk
next close
Know… the leaflets on the side effects of breast cancer therapies: how to manage problems, such as nausea and vomiting, or hair loss. (see)
Know… the interactive "familial history", allows the construction of a graphic with the history of breast cancer in your family. (see)
Know… more about cancer biology: what is a mutation and what promotes these changes in cells DNA? (see)
Know… What is a triple negative cancer? Drinking alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer? What is the anatomy of the breast? (see)
Know… what you know about familial breast cancer: complete our 7-question "expert " quiz. (see)
Know… more about sporadic breast cancer, and test your knowledge using our 7-question quiz. (see)
Know… the particularities of breast cancer in man: test your knowledge in our 7-question quiz (see)