According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, it is estimated that 300,590 people will be
diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer for women
in the United States, and it is the most common cancer worldwide. Although October is Breast Cancer
Awareness Month, these figures show the importance of being mindful of your health and wellness
year-round.
Many college-aged women, including myself, are constantly on the go. The demands of classes,
extracurriculars, and our social lives often lead us to push our health to the back burner. It is easy to
think that because we are young, we are immune to health problems. What we don’t realize is that
our behaviors now can have an impact on our health for years to come. Here are three risk factors
associated with breast cancer that you may overlook.
1. Alcohol consumption
The American Cancer Society reports that women who drink one alcoholic drink per day raise their
chances of developing breast cancer by seven to 10 percent. For women who drink three alcoholic
drinks per day, the risk rises to about 20 percent. This is one of the lesser-known risk factors for
breast cancer, and monitoring alcohol intake can have a positive impact on your overall health and
wellness now and in the future.
2. Physical Activity
Another lesser-known risk factor for breast cancer is physical activity. During midterm season, it’s
easy to spend hours each day stationary in the library studying for exams and writing papers.
Physical activity is linked to reduced risk for breast cancer according to the National Cancer
Institute. While it may be hard to set aside time in your day to be active, it is important to be
mindful of your physical activity. A short 15-minute walk around Landis can make a world of a
difference in your physical and mental health.
3. Genetics
Of all the risk factors for breast cancer, genetics are thought to be the most significant. Five to 10
percent of breast cancer cases are hereditary according to the American Cancer Society. Talking
with the people in your life to see if you have a family history of breast cancer is the first step in
determining if you have genetic risks. Certain genetic mutations that increase the risk of breast
cancer can also increase the risk of ovarian cancer as well. Getting tested for these genes may
seem like a big step for a lot of college-aged women, especially since lots of breast cancers do not
form until later in life. However, knowing in advance your genetic predispositions to breast cancer
can help you and your doctors make smarter, more informed decisions regarding your health and
wellness.
While we acknowledge the impact of breast cancer in October, awareness of the disease does not
have to be bound to one month out of the year. While our everyday lives demand a lot of us, it is
important to acknowledge the impact our behavior has on our long-term health. Being aware of
your health will only benefit your physical and mental well-being for years to come.
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