Is Breast Cancer Preventable?

There is no certain way of preventing breast cancer. However, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), about 30-50% of cancers are preventable.

- Dr Randima Nanayakkara

Genetics account only for about 5% of cancer, known as hereditary cancers. Our lifestyle choices, the food we eat and our level of physical activity has a significant impact on the overall cancer risk. Since prevention offers the most economical long-term strategy for control of cancers, national policies in addition to treatment should also focus on raising public awareness to minimize exposure to cancer risk factors as well as promoting healthy lifestyles.

Breast cancer is the commonest cancer among females, affecting nearly 2.1 million females globally each year. While breast cancer rates are higher in the developed regions, its rates are increasing in the developing regions as well. In Sri Lanka, it is the most common cancer. Over 3,000 new breast cancer patients are diagnosed each year, which accounts for about 25% of all female cancers and nearly 15% of all cancers.

Female gender, advancing age, family history, early puberty and late menopause are some of the nonmodifiable risk factors for breast cancer. In addition to the above, there are many modifiable risk factors, the control of which helps prevent breast cancer. Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and there is a global movement to increase public awareness about the disease, some frequently asked questions about breast cancer risk and prevention are addressed below.

1. Can a healthy diet reduce the risk of breast cancer?