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Lifestyle Factors Linked to Over a Quarter of Breast Cancer-Related Healthy Years Lost, Study Finds

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Lifestyle Factors Attributable to Over Quarter of Breast Cancer Burden

A large-scale study has indicated that over a quarter of healthy years lost due to breast cancer are attributable to lifestyle factors such as red meat intake and smoking.

The research, published in The Lancet Oncology by the Global Burden of Disease Study Breast Cancer Collaborators, utilized data from population-based cancer registries across more than 200 countries, covering the period from 1990 to 2023. The comprehensive study also provided critical forecasts for breast cancer trends stretching up to 2050.

Key Findings

  • New breast cancer cases in women are projected to increase by a third globally, from 2.3 million in 2023 to over 3.5 million by 2050.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including not smoking, engaging in sufficient physical activity, reducing red meat consumption, and achieving a healthy BMI, may prevent more than a quarter of healthy years lost to breast cancer worldwide.

  • In 2023, 28% of the global breast cancer burden, equivalent to 6.8 million years of healthy life lost, was linked to six potentially modifiable risk factors:

    • High red meat consumption contributed nearly 11% to this burden.
    • Tobacco use contributed 8%.
    • High blood sugar contributed 6%.
    • High body mass index contributed 4%.
    • High alcohol use contributed 2%.
    • Low physical activity contributed 2%.

  • Globally in 2023, women aged 55 or older were diagnosed with new breast cancer cases at three times the rate of women aged 20-54. However, new case rates in women aged 20-54 have risen by 29% since 1990, while rates in older women have not changed substantially.

Global Disparities and Action

Lead author Kayleigh Bhangdia highlighted that while high-income countries typically benefit from screening and comprehensive treatment, the burden of breast cancer is significantly increasing in low- and lower-middle-income countries. In these regions, individuals often face later-stage diagnoses, limited access to quality care, and consequently, higher death rates. Organizations are advocating strongly for prevention strategies and global collaboration to improve outcomes and ensure equitable access to early diagnosis, effective treatment, and essential support for all women worldwide.