Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Anyone who falls ill loses valuable years of healthy life. Almost one in five patients dies of breast cancer. Researchers at the University of Washington in Seattle have now calculated which factors are particularly often associated with the disease and early death.

1. The Consuming large amounts of red meat had the largest share at eleven percent. Red meat comes from beef, pork, goat and sheep.
2. After that follows Smoke – included Passive smoking – with a share of eight percent.
3. A high blood sugar levels accounted for a share of six percent.
4. A high body mass index (BMI), i.e. overweight, was calculated to be associated with four percent of the years of healthy life lost.
5. Had a share of two percent high alcohol consumption.
6. Just like little physical exercise also with a two percent share.

More than a quarter of the years of life lost due to breast cancer can be attributed to these risk factors. The good news: Women can influence these six factors. Many deaths from breast cancer are therefore preventable. However, there are also genetic and other causes that cannot be influenced type of cancer.

Between 1990 and 2023, the burden of disease caused by the risk factors alcohol and tobacco decreased significantly – by 47 and 28 percent respectively, report the study authors. However, there has been no such positive development for the other factors so far.

The study was published on March 3, 2026 in the journal “The Lancet Oncology”.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women

The researchers estimate that by 2050 the number of new cases of breast cancer worldwide will rise to 3.5 million each year – an increase of a third. The number of deaths will also rise, to almost 1.4 million per year.

“While people in richer countries generally benefit from screening, early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment strategies, the increasing burden of breast cancer is shifting to poorer and emerging countries,” explains lead author Kayleigh Bhangdia from the University of Washington.

“The disease is often only diagnosed at a later stage, and those affected have limited access to good care and are more likely to die from the disease.”

Cases in Germany are increasing – but mortality is falling

The study also provides data for Germany: According to this, the incidence adjusted for age effects – i.e. the number of breast cancer cases per 100,000 women – rose by almost 22 percent to around 100 between 1990 and 2023. However, the age-adjusted mortality rate in Germany fell by around 23 percent to around 22 over the same period.

According to the Robert Koch Institute, there are around 75,000 new cases in Germany every year. Around one in eight women will become ill during their lifetime, and around 18,500 women die from it every year. This makes breast cancer the most common type of cancer among women in this country. The earlier a tumor is detected, the better the chances of recovery.

Many breast cancer cases are linked to 6 habits

The research team of the current study sees potential in its findings successful prevention“With more than a quarter of the world’s breast cancer cases linked to six lifestyle changes, there is enormous opportunity to reduce the risk of breast cancer for the next generation,” says lead researcher Marie Ng from the National University of Singapore.

In this way, health policy could be more targeted and individuals could be given better advice, for example on how to reduce obesity or lower blood sugar.

How to prevent overweight and obesity

Elevated blood sugar often requires medical treatment, while smoking, alcohol consumption and red meat consumption can be reduced primarily through consistent avoidance. A high body mass index, on the other hand, can be effectively reduced through everyday changes such as a healthier diet and more exercise.

• Proper nutrition: Make sure you get enough protein (e.g. legumes, quark), healthy fats (nuts, avocado, salmon), fiber (whole grain bread, vegetables) and generally optimal nutrient intake.
• Regular exercise: Walk more every day and take the stairs rather than the elevator. Regardless of whether it’s brisk walking or relaxed cycling – according to the World Health Organization (WHO), you should get 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. That’s around 22 minutes a day.
• Muscle building: Actively build muscle. These burn energy when resting, so your basal metabolic rate is higher and you burn more calories.
• Stress avoidance: The stress hormone cortisol can lead to weight gain – partly because it promotes food cravings. If possible, try to minimize stressful situations, for example by integrating relaxation exercises or yoga into everyday life.
• Sufficient sleep: Try to get seven to eight hours of sleep every night. Lack of sleep can slow down your metabolism and affect your mental health, which in turn affects your overall well-being.