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8 things your breast cancer surgeon wishes you knew

Your deodorant isn't a cause, you can control some risk factors, and that's just for starters.

Updated on August 30, 2024

Breast cancer survivor
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By the end of 2024, it's estimated that almost 311,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, a number that continues to increase each year. Over 42,000 women are expected to die of the disease, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Although this number may seem high, it’s much lower than in the past. And even though bothShow More

Senior mother and daughter hugging
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Most cases are not inherited

It’s true that your risk for breast cancer is higher if you have a close family member who has had the disease. This includes having at least one close relative diagnosed before age 50, or multiple cases on the same side of the family. And it doesn't have to be your maternal side of the family.

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Woman drinking red wine
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It's linked to lifestyle

While family history plays a role, breast cancer risk is influenced in large part by lifestyle choices, says Quarterman. These include:

Drinking alcohol: The more you imbibe, the higher your risk, and there is no “safe” amount that won’t raise your risk. According to the ACS, even one drinkShow More

Woman experiencing pain in her breast
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It doesn’t necessarily hurt

Though mammograms can pinch and treatments like radiation and chemotherapy often come with uncomfortable side effects, breast cancer itself isn’t typically painful. “Women will tell me that they have a lump, and we find out that it’s cancer,” says Quarterman. “They say, ‘It didn’t hurt. I didn’tShow More

Woman using deoderant
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Your bra and antiperspirant don't cause it

You may have heard that your antiperspirant can give you breast cancer. The theory goes that chemicals seep into your skin, or your roll-on prevents you from sweating, leading to a buildup of toxins. Some even think that antiperspirant is absorbed through underarm shaving cuts, causing the disease.Show More

Scar from breast surgery
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Early detection is crucial

According to the ACS, with treatment, the five-year survival rate of someone with localized breast cancer (which is confined to the breast) is 99 percent. Those with regional breast cancer—meaning the cancer has spread to nearby areas—have an 86 percent chance of surviving for five years. WhenShow More

Multi-generational family
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It's deadlier for Black women

Black women are diagnosed with breast cancer at nearly the same rate as white women overall. However, when it comes to women under age 40, breast cancer is more common in Black women.

Black women are around 40 percent more likely to die of the disease. Access to healthcare and racial disparities inShow More

Senior sitting on bench
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Men can—and do—get it

In 2024, an estimated 2,800 men in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. It will kill around 530 of them. Men don't often realize they have it—or that they can develop it at all—and may be uncomfortable discussing the issue with their HCP.

"If you have a nipple, you couldShow More

Pensive senior woman
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Many people survive breast cancer

Thanks to a combination of increased awareness, early detection, and better treatment, breast cancer death rates have dropped substantially in recent decades. Between 1989 and 2020, they fell about 43 percent.

"I tell my patients that you don't need to change any of your long-term plans, becauseShow More

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