Effects of major lifestyle factors on breast cancer risk: impact of weight, nutrition, physical activity, alcohol and tobacco

Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and second most common cause of cancer death in US women. Family history and genetics are well-known BC risk factors, but they only account for 15–20% of BC cases. Therefore, in addition to family history, healthcare providers must consider a woman’s modifiable and nonmodifiable personal risk factors that are associated with an increase in BC risk. The World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research estimate that 30% of BC cases in the US are preventable. Lifestyle education is imperative given the magnitude of BC occurrence. Evidence supports prevention as an effective, long-term strategy for reducing risk. Healthcare providers are key stakeholders in empowering patients to adopt a healthy lifestyle for primary BC prevention. In this paper, we review the available evidence on modifiable BC risk including weight management, nutrition, physical activity, alcohol and tobacco use and provide strategies to counsel patients on lifestyle modifications.