Breast Cancer Prevention Week is a national campaign run by Breast Cancer UK. Its goal is to help everyone understand their personal risk of breast cancer and learn ways to reduce it. Just as importantly, it’s a reminder that spotting changes early can save lives.
Breast cancer isn’t just a women’s health issue; men can get it too. That’s why this message is for all our patients. The most important step is knowing what’s normal for your body. Regularly checking your breasts or chest helps you notice any changes more quickly. Try to make it a habit about once a month, in a way that feels comfortable for you.
Please visit the NHS website here for useful advice, including a video, on how to check your breasts or chest.
Breast cancer risk is influenced by a combination of factors. Some of these, like age, family history and genetics, are beyond our control. Other factors, such as lifestyle choices, including diet, exercise, alcohol consumption, reproductive history (like the age you had your first period or whether you’ve had children) can also affect your risk.
While we can’t change everything, understanding your personal risk is a powerful tool. It can help you make informed choices about lifestyle, screening and medical advice.
If you have a strong family history of breast cancer, it’s worth speaking to your GP. They may recommend genetic counselling or more frequent screening to help catch any issues early. Early awareness and proactive steps give you the best chance of prevention and early detection.
Exercise isn’t just good for your heart; it can also lower your risk of breast cancer. Being physically active helps regulate hormones, supports a healthy weight, and keeps your body strong – all factors that can reduce risk.
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity (like brisk walking, gentle cycling or swimming) or 75 minutes of vigorous activity (such as running, fast cycling or aerobics) each week. You don’t need to do it all at once, short sessions of 10–15 minutes throughout the day count too.
Even simple daily activities, like walking the dog, cycling to work or taking the stairs instead of the lift, can make a meaningful difference over time. The key is consistency: regular movement is what really supports your long-term health.
Being overweight, particularly after menopause, can increase the risk of breast cancer. Fat tissue can produce hormones that may fuel the growth of some types of breast cancer, which is why maintaining a healthy weight is important.
Focusing on balanced nutrition, portion control and regular physical activity can make a real difference. Simple habits, like choosing more fruits and vegetables, limiting processed foods, staying active through walking or cycling, and being mindful of portion sizes, all add up over time. Maintaining a healthy weight not only supports breast health but also benefits your overall wellbeing.
Alcohol is a known risk factor for breast cancer. Even small amounts can increase your risk, as alcohol can affect hormone levels and damage cells in breast tissue over time.
Limiting your intake to no more than one drink per day, or less, can help reduce your risk. If you can, consider swapping alcoholic drinks for water, sparkling water or herbal teas a few times a week. Small changes in drinking habits, combined with other healthy lifestyle choices, can make a meaningful difference for your long-term breast health.
Breastfeeding can help protect against breast cancer, particularly when continued for several months. The longer you breastfeed, the greater the protective effect appears to be.
This natural process helps lower hormone levels linked to breast cancer and supports healthy breast tissue. While breastfeeding isn’t possible or the choice for everyone, for those who can, it’s one of nature’s simple yet powerful ways to reduce risk. Even short periods of breastfeeding can still provide benefits, both for your baby and your long-term health.
Get to know how your breasts normally look and feel. Regular self-checks help you understand what is normal for your body, making it easier to notice any changes early.
If you notice any of the following, contact your GP promptly:
Most breast changes are not cancer, but early detection is key to effective treatment. Trust your instincts, if something feels off, don’t wait to get it checked. Regular awareness gives you the best chance to stay healthy.
Breast screening is another key way to detect breast cancer early. It uses X-rays, called mammograms, to spot cancers that are too small to see or feel.
In the UK, women aged 50 to 71 are invited for screening every three years.
Screening is free and can help catch problems early, when they are easier to treat.
Mammograms save lives. Attend your regular breast screening appointments when invited. If you’re unsure when you’re due, ask your GP or check the national screening program here.
Long-term use of combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which contains both oestrogen and progesterone, can increase the risk of breast cancer. The risk is generally higher the longer HRT is used, but it can vary depending on the type and dose.
If you are considering HRT or are currently using it, it’s important to discuss the options with your doctor. Together, you can weigh the benefits, such as relief from menopausal symptoms, against the potential risks, and explore alternatives or the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary time. Regular check-ups and open conversations with your GP can help you manage symptoms safely while protecting your breast health.
Breast cancer prevention isn’t about fear; it’s about taking control of your health. Simple, consistent lifestyle choices and staying aware of changes in your body can make a real difference over time.
This Breast Cancer Prevention Week, take a moment to think about your daily habits—are you moving enough, eating well, limiting alcohol and staying on top of screenings? If it’s been a while since your last check-up, book one with your GP.
Sharing this information with friends and family can also help others stay informed and proactive. Prevention is empowering: the small steps you take today can have a big impact on your long-term health and give you confidence in caring for yourself.
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