What to know about your breast cancer risk as Breast Cancer Awareness Month kicks off

Key Points:

• Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women, with one in eight expected to develop it in their lifetime; over 381,000 new cases and about 42,000 deaths are projected this year according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
• ABC News is partnering with the ACS for Breast Cancer Awareness Month to promote the ACS CancerRisk360 free assessment, which helps individuals aged 18 and older understand and reduce their cancer risk through personalized guidance.
• The CancerRisk360 tool evaluates factors such as personal and family health history, lifestyle habits, and screening history to provide tips on lowering risk for cancers including breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer.
• While some cancer risk factors like age and family history cannot be changed, the ACS emphasizes that lifestyle modifications such as diet, physical activity, tobacco use reduction, HPV vaccination, and sun protection can help control cancer risk.
• The ACS stresses that the CancerRisk360 assessment is not a substitute for professional medical advice and encourages users to consult their healthcare providers for personalized care.