Breast cancer rates are rising in young women. Here is what you can do to protect yourself.

Key Points:

• Breast cancer rates are rising in the U.S., with 321,910 women expected to be newly diagnosed in 2026; the fastest increase is among women under 50, with a 1.4% annual rise compared to 0.7% in older women.
• Factors contributing to increased breast cancer risk include diets high in ultra-processed foods, reduced physical activity, environmental exposures (such as plastics and chemicals), and reproductive factors like earlier menstruation and later first childbirth.
• While no guaranteed prevention exists, Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky advises eliminating alcohol, engaging in regular exercise (about 150 minutes weekly), and reducing ultra-processed food intake to lower breast cancer risk.
• Hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms in breast cancer survivors is a nuanced topic; low-dose vaginal estrogen is considered safe and beneficial, but treatment should be personalized based on cancer type, recurrence risk, and patient preference.
• Supporting breast cancer survivors involves a holistic approach emphasizing social connection, proactive health management, and community support, especially during emotionally challenging periods like Breast Cancer Awareness Month.