Space 01 · Understand

Prevention

Chapter 15 of 15 · 8 cards · about 5 min

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Chapter 15 · Prevention
THE QUESTION

Can you reduce your risk of breast cancer?

The answer in a few cards.

1 / 8

No guarantee, but useful habits

Not all breast cancers can be prevented. But some habits lower the risk.

Source: NCI, 2026

2 / 8

Move

The American Cancer Society advises 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity a week, such as brisk walking.

Source: American Cancer Society (ACS), 2026

3 / 8

A healthy weight

Avoiding too much weight gain, especially after menopause, reduces the risk.

Source: American Cancer Society (ACS), 2026

4 / 8

Avoid alcohol

The less alcohol you drink, the lower the risk.

Source: American Cancer Society (ACS), 2026

5 / 8

Breastfeed if possible

Breastfeeding slightly reduces the risk, and more so the longer it lasts.

Source: The Lancet, 2002;360:187-195, 2002

6 / 8

Hormones with care

Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of menopausal hormone treatment.

Source: American Cancer Society (ACS), 2026

7 / 8

Know your family

Knowing whether relatives have had breast or ovarian cancer helps the doctor assess your risk.

Source: ACS, 2026

8 / 8

The best reflex

Know your breasts, see a doctor quickly if anything changes, and take part in screening campaigns.

Source: CRUK, 2026 · WHO, 2023

DID YOU KNOW?

The WHO aims to reduce breast cancer deaths by 2.5% a year, to avoid 2.5 million deaths between 2020 and 2040.

Source: WHO, 2023

TRUE OR FALSE?

“Exercise can reduce the risk of breast cancer.”

TRUE OR FALSE?

“If I do everything right, I can't get breast cancer.”

KEY POINTS
  • Move, keep a healthy weight, avoid alcohol, breastfeed if possible.
  • Know your family history.
  • See a doctor quickly if anything changes.
SOURCES FOR THIS CHAPTER

Information based on publications by the WHO, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the French National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, Cancer Research UK and published scientific studies. The information on ROSE does not replace the advice of a health professional.

Chapter complete!

You now know more than many people. Pass it on.

Next chapter: What is breast cancer? →
Sources: NCI, 2026 · American Cancer Society (ACS), 2026 · The Lancet, 2002;360:187-195, 2002…

15 stories to understand it all

Pick a question and let the cards guide you.

01To readWhat is breast cancer?Is a lump in the breast always cancer?5 min read02To readThe signsWould you recognise breast cancer?5 min read03To readRisk factorsWhy do some people get breast cancer and others don't?5 min read04To readScreening, by country and ageShould you wait for a sign before getting a test?5 min read05To readDiagnosis and testsThey found a lump: what happens next?5 min read06To readTypes: hormone-sensitive, HER2, triple-negativeAre all breast cancers the same?5 min read07To readStagesWhat does “stage 2” mean?5 min read08To readTreatmentsHow is breast cancer treated?5 min read09To readLiving with treatment side effectsFatigue, hair, morale: how to get through treatment?5 min read10To readLife afterAnd when treatment is over?5 min read11To readGenetics and BRCAIs breast cancer passed down in families?5 min read12To readBreast cancer in menCan a man get breast cancer?5 min read13To readYoung womenI'm under 40: can it happen to me?5 min read14To readSupporting a loved oneHow can you help someone with breast cancer?5 min read15In progressPreventionCan you reduce your risk of breast cancer?5 min read

Information based on publications by the WHO, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the French National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, Cancer Research UK and published scientific studies. The information on ROSE does not replace the advice of a health professional.