Quantifying avoidable risk factors for breast cancer

This finding comes from a study involving 3,000 patients and more than 6,000 control persons conducted by the DKFZ and the Hamburg-Eppendorf University Medical Center. Non-modifiable factors such as early onset menstruation, late onset menopause and breast cancer in the family are responsible for 37 percent of malignant breast cancer cases – a figure that is only slightly higher. The study also showed that alcohol consumption and obesity increase the risk of cancer, but to a lesser extent. “If behavioural changes can be achieved, particularly with respect to hormone replacement therapy and physical activity, almost 30 percent of all breast cancer cases occurring after menopause can be prevented,” says Professor Karen Steindorf.

Andreas Fischer