Let’s Talk Breast Cancer

Clinically reviewed and updated September 2026

Breast cancer is a complex condition that affects anyone with breast tissue, including women, men, and transgender individuals. Knowing your risks, adopting preventive measures, and following screening guidelines empower us all in the fight against breast cancer.

The following information provided by Dr. Deborah Korenstein, Professor of Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, helps us better understand risk factors, screening guidelines, and prevention measures that can help you take control of your breast health. 

Who is at risk?

Breast cancer can affect anyone with breast tissue, which means everyone. To better understand your susceptibility, here are some points to consider:  

• Breast cancer is 100 times more common in cis females than cis males, affecting 1 in 8. 

• The risk of breast cancer for trans men without top surgery is similar to that of cis women. However, top surgery reduces the risk. 

• Trans women using hormone treatment may have a slightly higher risk compared to cis men. They may even be diagnosed at a younger age than cis individuals. 

• Breast cancer is reported in 1% of cis men. 

There is still much more to discover, as research in this field continues to make progress. 

Prevention

Fortunately, there are measures we can take to lower our risk. Lifestyle choices including moderating alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, and pursuing regular physical activity significantly reduce risk. The American Cancer Society recommends 150-300 minutes (about 5 hours) of moderate exercise or 75-150 minutes (about 2 and a half hours) of intense activity each week. But even a 30-minute walk four times a week can reduce risk by 20%. 

In addition to adopting healthy lifestyle choices, staying up to date with your screenings is crucial. The most recent guidelines from the USPSTF recommend that women start screening with mammograms every two years at age 40. However, screening guidelines are not one-size-fits-all. Various factors heighten breast cancer odds, including age, genetics, and reproductive and family histories. Recognizing these factors informs your choices regarding screening and prevention. If you have specific risk factors, we recommend having a conversation with your primary care provider about when to initiate screenings. 

Remember the days of those monthly self-exams? Well, now it’s more about being ‘breast aware’. Know your body, notice any changes, and get regular check-ups. Combine that with professional exams and imaging for a full-picture approach. While mammograms are a valuable tool, they aren’t perfect. If you have dense breast tissue, your health care provider may suggest (or you can request) ultrasounds or MRIs for extra reassurance. 

Birth Control and Breast Cancer Risk

Let’s clarify the connection between birth control and breast cancer risk; it’s a complex issue. While some studies hint at a slight increase in risk, there’s no evidence to suggest it elevates the risk of fatal breast cancer. On a positive note, oral contraceptives have been linked to a significant reduction in the risk of ovarian cancer—a more fatal cancer.

Breastfeeding: A Natural Defense

 Breastfeeding isn’t just great for babies, it’s good for moms too. Studies show it reduces the risk of both breast and ovarian cancers.

Treatment: A Bright Future

The cure rate for breast cancer is over 90%. Treatments are now far less likely to cause lasting changes in appearance and are less toxic than they were in the past. Health care practitioners have ditched the one-size-fits-all approach. We now know there are different types of breast cancer, each needing its own unique treatment plan. Genetic testing is a game-changer. It looks for mutations that can up your risk, like BRCA-1 and BRCA-2. If you have a family history of breast and ovarian cancers, discuss testing with your health care provider.