02/10/2026
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month 🎗️
Almost all of us know someone who has been affected by breast cancer, whether that is a scare after finding a lump, receiving an abnormal scan result, or supporting a friend or family member through diagnosis and treatment. Breast cancer is incredibly common, with around 1 in 7 women in the UK developing the disease during their lifetime.
We often think of family history or inherited genes as the main drivers of breast cancer risk, but most people who develop breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease. Risk is influenced by a combination of factors, including age, genetics, hormones and lifestyle.
While some risk factors cannot be changed, there are things we can do to help reduce our risk. Limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, particularly after menopause, and staying physically active are all associated with a lower risk of breast cancer.
As Dr Jessica Briscoe, Private GP and Women's Health Doctor at Mayo Clinic Healthcare, explains:
"Breast cancer risk is not just about family history. Understanding your own risk, making healthy lifestyle choices, being breast-aware and taking part in recommended screening are all important parts of looking after your long-term health."
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, take a moment to understand your risk, be aware of what is normal for you, and encourage those around you to do the same.
https://mayocl.in/48hKdWq
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