What to know about your breast cancer risk as Breast Cancer Awareness Month kicks off
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women, with one in eight developing breast cancer in their lifetime.
It is expected that more than 381,000 new cases of invasive, non-invasive and pre-invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women this year and about 42,000 women will die, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
Knowing your personal risk of developing breast cancer risk could help you and your doctor choose the right screening schedule and prevention methods.
ABC News is teaming up with the ACS for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The American Cancer Society encourages women to take the ACS CancerRisk360 free assessment to learn more about the factors they can change to improve their health and lower their cancer risk.
The tool is available to use for anyone ages 18 and older. The tool asks questions about things that can raise an individual's cancer risk, including:
- Individual health history
- Family health history
- Daily habits and lifestyle
- Cancer screening history
Based on someone's answers, the tool gives tips on how to lower one's cancer risk.
Cancer risk can be controlled or modified with several lifestyle changes including diet, physical activity, tobacco use, HPV vaccination and sun/UV protection, according to ACS. Certain risk factors -- such as age and family history -- cannot be controlled or modified.
The tool does not cover every type of cancer but does offer steps to lower the risk for cancers such as breast, cervical, colorectal, lung and prostate cancer.
"Understanding your cancer risk should make the next step clearer, not more complicated," Shane Jacobson, CEO of the American Cancer Society, said in a statement. "CancerRisk360 gives people trusted, personalized guidance they can use to start a conversation with their healthcare provider and take practical steps that may help lower their risk."
ACS says the tool is not a substitute for speaking with and getting medical advice from an individual's doctor.
"Always talk to a qualified health care provider who knows your situation and personal health needs," ACS states on its website. "Do not ignore or delay getting professional medical advice because of anything you read in this assessment or in your recommendations."
