Breast cancer awareness is important for both men and women. Being aware of breast cancer provides benefits because it can save lives. Breast cancer awareness includes knowing facts, prevention tactics, and having hope in the midst.

Breast Cancer Facts

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed type of cancer among women. In the US, it is the second-leading cause of cancer, right behind lung cancer. In 2026, it is estimated that 42,670 women and 530 min will die from breast cancer.   

Common conventional medical treatment approaches in the US include surgery (mastectomy and lumpectomy), chemotherapy, radiation, hormonal, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.

Breast Cancer Prevention

Only 5-10% of breast cancers are caused by genetic mutation that were inherited. The strongest risk factors are increasing age.

Breast cancer risk factors that are potentially modifiable include: 

• Eat a healthy diet. Limit processed meat and large amounts of red meat. Eat more vegetables, fruit, and whole grains.
• Being overweight or having obesity after menopause. Try to maintain a healthy weight.
• Lack of physical activity. Engaging in regular movement can lower the risk of breast cancer and improve overall health. Regular moderate-to-vigorous activities like brisk walking, swimming, cycling, and strength training are associated with lower breast cancer risk. Aim for 150 to 300 minutes per week.
• Don’t smoke.
• Using hormonal medication, such as hormonal contraceptives or menopausal hormone therapy. Avoid Hormone Replacement Therapy. If it is necessary, discuss the risks with your healthcare provider and consider using the lowest effective dose for the shortest time.
• Reproductive history that includes a first full-term pregnancy at a later age, never having a full-term pregnancy, not breastfeeding. Women who have their first full-term pregnancy before age 20 tend to have a lower risk of breast cancer. If possible, breast feed because it may contribute to a reduced risk of developing breast cancer. 
• Limit alcohol consumption. This is crucial because even small amounts of alcohol can increase breast cancer risk.  Regularly drinking alcohol increases risk. Alcohol can damage cells in the body and alter hormone levels. 

Breast cancer risk factors that are non-modifiable include: 

• Starting menstrual periods before age 12
• Late menopause after age 55
• Inherited gene mutation
• Dense breast tissue
• Family history of breast cancer
• Personal history of breast cancer
• Personal history of certain benign breast conditions
• Previous radiation therapy to the chest or breasts
• Prolonged lifetime exposure to estrogen
• Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES), a now-banned synthetic estrogen in utero or during pregnancy

Warning signs to watch for: 

• A new lump in the breast or underarm
• Changes in the nipple (discharge, inversion, or pain)
• Dimpling or irritation of breast skin
• Swelling or thickening in part of the breast
• Unexplained changes in breast shape or size

Breast Cancer Hope

Natural ways to fight breast cancer:

• Cruciferous vegetables have compounds that fight breast cancer cells. Studies have shown that eating more of these vegetables can help breast cancer patients live longer. For best results, steam or sauté them to keep the sulforaphane that works against cancer stem cells. You might also crush or chop them to release enzymes that turn glucoraphanin into sulforaphane. 
• Pomegranates are an antioxidant-rich fruit that may help fight cancer by lowering inflammation and oxidative stress. The compounds in them can stop cancer cells from growing, make them die, and stop new blood vessels from forming. (New blood vessels make cancer grow.)
• Manuka honey might stop cancer cells from growing and possible help with the side effects of conventional treatments like skin issues or mouth sores. Research has found that it can make cells of cancer die. A tablespoon or two each day is good for health. Talk with your doctor to find the correct amount if you are fighting cancer. 
• Herbs like Black Cohosh, Ginseng, and Garlic may be natural remedies to consider. Please reach out to your medical professional or herbalist for information on safety, effectiveness, and interactions with your medications before using. 

A person with that has been diagnosed with breast cancer may be afraid, uncertain, and have an overwhelming sense of vulnerability. These emotions may also be experienced by their family and close friends.  

Words of encouragement are important for a person or a family member of a person with breast cancer. A short message like of these can be written in a card, text, or email can provide comfort. 

• “I am sorry you are going through this. Please let me know how I can help.”
• “If you ever want to talk, I am here for you.”

A key consideration for hope for breast cancer patients is putting trust in God. He is the One who provides health, directs health care professionals, and carries us in times of trouble.

Action Step

Carefully read this blog again, because breast cancer awareness includes knowing facts, prevention tactics, and having hope in the midst.

Resources: 

https://www.stopbreastcancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NBCC-Facts-Figures_2026_FINAL.pdf

https://www.bcrf.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-prevention-risk-reduction/

ttps://int.livhospital.com/10-natural-remedies-for-breast-cancer-evidence-based-options-you-can-explore/

10 Ways to Help Prevent Breast Cancer and Reduce Your Risk

May God bless you on your wellness journey!

Joni

P.S. What do you know about breast cancer?