October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a time to educate, empower, and encourage proactive screening. To help shed light on prevention, early detection, and ongoing research, we spoke with Dr. Christine Dauphine, Investigator and Director of the Breast Clinic, Division of Surgical Oncology at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. Drawing from her clinical experience and ongoing research, Dr. Dauphine offers practical guidance on what you should know about breast cancer risk and care.
From Genetics to Lifestyle: What Really Drives Breast Cancer Risk?
While breast cancer can affect anyone, certain factors raise a person’s likelihood of developing the disease. “Genetics accounts for approximately 10–15 percent of breast cancers,” explains Dr. Dauphine. “It’s important to share any family history of cancer — especially in first- or second-degree relatives diagnosed before age 50 — with your doctor.”
She emphasizes that risks fall into two categories: modifiable and non-modifiable.
- Modifiable risk factors include physical inactivity, being overweight, hormone use, alcohol consumption, smoking, delaying childbirth until after 30, or not breastfeeding.
- Non-modifiable factors include age, genetic mutations, dense breast tissue, prior atypical biopsy results, or past radiation treatment to the chest.
“The average-risk woman has about a one-in-eight chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime,” says Dr. Dauphine. “Having one or more of these factors can increase that chance.”
Prevention in Practice: The Role of Healthy Habits and Early Detection
Although breast cancer isn’t entirely preventable, Dr. Dauphine notes that healthy lifestyle habits can make a meaningful difference. “Maintaining an active lifestyle, keeping a healthy body weight, reducing alcohol intake, and quitting smoking are all effective ways to lower risk,” she advises.
For most women, annual mammograms beginning at age 40 remain the gold standard for early detection. However, those with higher-than-average risk — such as individuals with a known genetic mutation, dense breast tissue, or a strong family history — may benefit from starting to screen earlier and adding supplemental imaging.
Equally important is breast self-awareness. “Women should be familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel,” says Dr. Dauphine. “Changes such as skin dimpling, nipple tethering, unusual discharge, or a new lump should be evaluated right away.”
Men can also be affected by breast cancer, but far less frequently than women at a rate of just 1 in 830 men. Since this disease is rare in men, screening is not recommended unless a man has a genetic mutation that makes him susceptible to breast cancer or has taken exogenous estrogen treatments for at least 5-10 years. Men should see their doctor immediately if they find a nodule or their nipple/skin changes on their breast.
From the Lab to the Clinic: Breakthroughs Transforming Care
Dr. Dauphine is optimistic about the future of breast cancer research. “Promising studies are exploring how diet, stress, environment, and sleep influence breast cancer development,” she says. “We’re also improving screening technologies — from enhanced imaging to modalities that work better for women with dense breasts and reduce unnecessary biopsies.”
She highlights progress in treatment innovation as well. “As chemotherapy and immunotherapy have become more effective, surgeons can now perform less extensive procedures with fewer side effects,” she explains. “Patients are living longer, cancer-free lives.”
At Harbor-UCLA, Dr. Dauphine and her team continue to lead and publish research that contributes to global advances in breast cancer care. “As an academic surgeon, staying at the forefront of these developments allows us to offer patients the best possible outcomes.”
Dr. Dauphine’s advice is simple yet powerful: knowledge, vigilance, and proactive care save lives. “This month is a reminder for every woman to prioritize her health,” she says. “Schedule your mammogram, talk to your doctor about your risk factors, and encourage loved ones to do the same.”
Relevant Studies
Below are select publications that have significantly contributed to breast cancer research, and have been supported by The Lundquist Institute: