Protective Factors

Protective Factors Against Breast Cancer

1. Regular Breast Screening

• Mammography: According to international and national guidelines, annual screening is recommended starting at age 40.

• Self-examination & Clinical Examination: Routine breast self-examination combined with consultation with a specialized breast physician enhances early detection.

2. Healthy Diet & Weight Management

• Mediterranean Diet: Rich in vegetables, fruits, olive oil, fish, and high-fiber foods. Recent studies suggest an association with reduced estrogen levels and decreased cancer risk.

• Weight Control: Obesity is linked to increased risk, particularly postmenopause.

3. Physical Activity & Strength Training

• Aerobic Exercise: At least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise weekly reduces risk by 10–17%.

• Strength Training: Improves metabolism, regulates hormones, and reduces inflammation.

4. Alcohol Avoidance

• No amount of alcohol is safe: The IARC classifies alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, and even one drink per day increases risk.

5. Reproductive Factors & Breastfeeding

• Age at First Birth: First childbirth before age 30–35 is associated with a 7% risk reduction per child.

• Breastfeeding: Every 12 months of breastfeeding reduces risk by approximately 4%, with a cumulative benefit up to 26% for durations exceeding 12 months.

Why breastaware.gr?

The breastaware.gr provides reliable information and guidance on breast cancer prevention. Utilizing up-to-date methodologies, evidence-based literature, and a supportive tone, it empowers you with the knowledge and support to take timely action and help more women in prevention efforts.

Bibliography:  

1. Farvid MS, et al. Fruit and vegetable consumption and incident breast cancer: a systematic review and metaanalysis. Br J Cancer 2020. 
2. Cancer Australia. Lifestyle and breast cancer risk: physical activity. Cancer Australia 2024. 
3. International Agency for Research on Cancer. Weight control and physical activity. IARC Handbooks 2002. 
4. Jung S, et al. Fruit and vegetable intake by hormone status. J Natl Cancer Inst 2013. 
5. Emaus MJ, et al. EPIC cohort vegetables & breast cancer. Am J Clin Nutr 2016. 
6. BCRF. Breastfeeding for >12 months reduces breast cancer risk by 26 %. BCRF 2025. 
7. PAHO/UICC. Breast cancer risk factors and prevention. UICC 2016. 
8. Shield KD, et al. Alcohol Use and Breast Cancer: A Critical Review. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2016. 
9. WCRF/AICR. Continuous Update Project Expert Report: Diet, nutrition, physical activity and breast cancer. WCRF/AICR 2018. 
10. Verywell Health. Strength training & breast cancer risk. Verywell Health 2025. 
11. Guardian. Women should avoid all alcohol… risk reduction. The Guardian 2025.