About Breast Cancer

This information is current as of the date of original publication or update. It may have changed by the time you read this. I invite you to fact-check what you read here.

This information is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Before making health decisions, discuss with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider to decide what is right for you.

Update June 12, 2025

I suggest you review this updated post about breast cancer.

Observing Breast Cancer Awareness

In October, awareness of breast cancer is highlighted. This common cancer affects both women and men, with various types identified. Risk factors include age, genetics, and lifestyle. Early detection and preventive measures can significantly improve outcomes, emphasizing the need for education and support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Keep reading

by Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D. October 1, 2024June 12, 2025

From the original post-November 2015

Researchers at Cornell University see a potential link between obesity and breast cancer. Obesity may change the adipose (fat) tissue in the breast making it more susceptible to malignant (cancerous) changes. This may explain why breast cancer is sometimes more severe in patients who are also obese.

Body mass index chart — A BMI OF 30 or more represents obesity. BMI Chart created by Vertex42.com. Used with permission.

Because soy has similar effects to estrogen, there was concern that it might predispose women to breast cancer. but in a review of 7 medical studies, there was no association between dietary soy and breast cancer. Women who had previously had breast cancer has less risk of recurrence and lower mortality.

A 6 year study of 4000 women found a lower incidence of breast cancer in women who ate a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts, as compared to a group following a “low fat” diet. (However, only 35 cancers occurred during this time, so the numbers are not significant enough to draw definite conclusions.)

bottle of olive oil — The Mediterranean diet provides many health benefits.

The Canadian National Breast Screening Study of almost 90,000 women found that smoking, especially long term smoking prior to a first pregnancy, increased the risk for breast cancer.

no smoking sign — Smoking adversely affects health in many ways.

The New Generation Breast Cancer Book — This is an affiliate link.

Dr. Eliza Port, a breast surgeon at The Mount Sinai Hospital has written this guidebook on breast cancer which shows patients

“How to Navigate Your Diagnosis and Treatment Options-and Remain Optimistic-in an Age of Information Overload “

In The New Generation Breast Cancer Book , Dr. Port “describes every possible test and every type of doctor visit, providing a comprehensive, empathetic guide that every newly diagnosed woman (and her family) will want to have at her side.”

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Author: Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

As a family physician, I explore the HEART of HEALTH in my work, recreation, community, and through writing. My blog, Watercress Words, informs and inspires us to live in health. I believe we can turn our health challenges into healthy opportunities. When we do, we can share the HEART of health with our families, communities, and the world. Come explore and share with me. View all posts by Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.