The latest science on your risk of breast cancer, explained by doctors

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With so many confusing and alarming reports about breast cancer, it's hard to determine what your risk really is. We asked top experts to help us explain the latest facts behind the headlines – and we found some very reassuring news.

Self-exams are worthless

The use of two fingers and a circular motion to check your breasts to see if there are sizes and other changes once a month is no longer officially recommended . "Self-exams did not get earlier diagnosis in patients, which is essential for reducing breast cancer mortality," says Mariana Chavez Mac Gregor, MD of the MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas. Instead, the focus has been on raising awareness about breast health, she says. "You have to know what is normal for you – the symmetry of your breasts, the appearance of the skin and nipples and what they feel," says Dr. Mac Gregor. "If you know it, you will know if there is something wrong, like sores or bumps." (In relation: this new mammography technology will eventually make the screenings less painful)

Alcohol seriously increases your chances

Although your breast cancer risk increases by 4% after moderate drinking (up to one drink a day), 23% after moderate drinking (two to four a day) and 61% after overeating the numbers Relative risk, says Erika Hamilton, MD, director of the Breast Cancer and Gynecology Research Program at the Sarah Cannon Research Institute in Nashville. On average, women are at 10% risk of developing breast cancer during their lifetime. a 4% increase in relative risk means that the total risk is 10.4% – a tiny change until you reach the heavy category. Stick to two glasses or less a day to keep your chances low.

You must rethink your diet

The popularity of high-protein and high-fat diets is a concern for many women about health impacts. There is also a lot of conflicting information about the possible link of soy with breast cancer. The advice of Dr. Mac Gregor? Do not be obsessed with certain foods. "We recommend a healthy and balanced diet and regular physical activity," she says. "The exact amount of protein, dairy, or soy is less important than moderation." And keep a healthy weight. "Specific diets are not associated with breast cancer, but obesity," says Dr. Mac Gregor. (Related: Would protein intake reduce your risk of breast cancer?)

Having dense breasts is a big problem

If you have dense breasts, that is, they have more fibrous and glandular tissue and less adipose tissue, you will not know it until you have mammograms. Most states are required by law to tell you if you have any, but you can also just ask at your appointment. Elizabeth Morris, MD, Breast Cancer Research Foundation Investigator and Head of Breast Imaging Department at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. This is why some women receive a second screening, such as breast ultrasound or MRI. "However, not all women with dense breasts need additional tests, but only those with extremely dense breasts or certain density models," says Dr. Morris. Conclusion: your doctor will help you make an individual decision. (Related: Why Every Woman Should Know Her Breast Density)

The best treatment for breast cancer is chemo

According to a new study, more women with breast cancer can skip this unique treatment. "Until now, we knew that women with hormone-prone and low-risk breast cancer did not need chemotherapy, unlike women at high risk. We were not sure of the middlemen. But a new trial called TAILORx revealed that chemotherapy did not bring any significant benefit to most middlemen, "says Dr. Hamilton. "The results will probably save 60,000 patients a year from chemotherapy. "It means avoiding many side effects, such as damage to heart and lung cells, as well as hair loss and nausea." It's a big win for personalized medicine, says Dr. Hamilton. new therapies, and now better determine who needs what treatments.