According to a large-scale new study, more than 25% of breast cancer cases and premature deaths are attributed to daily habits. Scientists claim that by controlling factors such as excessive red meat consumption and tobacco use, thousands of women’s lives could be saved.
The study, based on data from over 200 countries spanning from 1990 to 2023, is unprecedented in its scope and even predicts disease prevalence trends through 2050.
For clarification: Red meat refers to the muscle tissue of mammals, which has a dark color in its raw state due to high concentrations of the iron-bearing protein, myoglobin. This category primarily includes beef, pork, lamb, and goat meat.
Key Findings and Statistics
Scientists project that by 2050, the number of new breast cancer cases globally will increase by a third—rising from 2.3 million in 2023 to 3.5 million.
The study identified 6 primary modifiable risk factors:
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Excessive red meat consumption: 11% (the highest impact);
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Tobacco use (including secondhand smoke): 8%;
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High blood sugar levels: 6%;
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High Body Mass Index (BMI): 4%;
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Alcohol consumption and low physical activity: 2% each.
In recent decades, an alarmingly increasing trend in breast cancer diagnoses among young women has been recorded: since 1990, the incidence rate in the 20-54 age group has increased by nearly a third (29%), while the rate among those over 55 has remained stable.
The study’s authors emphasize the global inequality regarding access to medical services. In high-income nations, effective preventive screening systems allow for early diagnosis, whereas in low-income regions, late-stage detection remains the primary determining factor for high mortality rates.
Experts conclude that prevention plays a decisive role in the fight against the disease, as a large portion of cases are linked to manageable risk factors. By changing one’s lifestyle, it is possible to prevent more than 25% of premature deaths caused by breast cancer.
