Tobacco Tobacco products are full of chemicals that harm our health. We can reduce our risk of breast cancer by avoiding tobacco smoke. Science Summary Tobacco smoke and secondhand smoke is a toxic mixture of chemicals and gas. Of the more than 7,000 chemicals in...
Social and Built Environment Our social and built environment have far-reaching impacts on our health, including our risk of breast cancer. The social and built environment is considered a foundational risk factor because it overlaps with so many other factors....
Pregnancy-Related Factors Overall, pregnancy is protective against breast cancer. Many personal decisions and factors contribute to if, and when, women give birth. Science Summary Giving birth at any age, especially at a younger age (typically under 30), is protective...
Placed-Based Exposures: Water Pollution Place-based chemical exposures disproportionately affect already over-burdened populations based on socioeconomic status or race/ethnicity. Communities that already lack access to clean water, are in intentionally food-deprived...
Place-Based Exposures: Air Pollution Air pollution is a form of place-based chemical exposure and has been linked to increased breast cancer risk. Science Summary Sources of air pollution include tobacco smoke, indoor wood burning, and more systemic sources such as...
Physical Activity Physical activity protects against breast cancer. The less time we spend sitting and being inactive, the lower our risk of breast cancer. Science Summary We know that maintaining physical strength and agility into old age is extremely important for...
Occupation Certain occupations and workplaces have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. To reduce this risk, we should support workers' right to a healthy work environment by minimizing harmful exposures and conditions linked to breast cancer. Science...
Non-Ionizing Radiation More research is needed on the link between non-ionizing radiation (both low-frequency electromagnetic fields and radiofrequency radiation) and breast cancer risk. We should reduce and, where possible, eliminate low-frequency electromagnetic...
Light at Night Light at night is exposure to light during hours when it is normally dark. Exposure to outdoor and indoor light at night at home or in the workplace can increase breast cancer risk. Science Summary Studies have shown an increased incidence of breast...
Ionizing Radiation Ionizing radiation is an established risk factor for breast cancer. Minimizing radiation dose to breast tissue is critically important, particularly in girls and young women. Science Summary For most people, the largest source of exposure to...
