Breast Cancer : Risk Factor PART 3

There is limited, but accumulating evidence that long-term, heavy smoking increases the risk of breast cancer, particularly among women who began smoking at an early age. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has concluded that there is limited evidence that shift work, particularly at night, is also associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Modifiable factors that are associated with a lower risk of breast
cancer include breastfeeding, moderate or vigorous physical activity, and maintaining a healthy body weight. Two medications, tamoxifen and raloxifene, have been approved to reduce breast cancer risk in women at high risk. Raloxifene appears to have a lower risk of certain side effects, such as uterine cancer and blood clots; however, it is only approved for use in postmenopausal women. source:American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2013. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2013.