It is well-known your genes, hormones, and lifestyle behaviors affect your chances of getting breast cancer. Eating healthy and exercising prevents weight gain, and thus, offsets your disease risk. However, there are simple habits, from drinking alcohol to working late nights, that can actually lead to a breast cancer positive mammogram.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women, after skin cancer. It’s estimated over 231,000 Americans will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer disease, 60,000 with non-invasive (in situ), and 40,000 are expected to die, according to the American Cancer Society. Nevertheless, breast cancer patients are living more due to improvements in detection, treatment, and awareness.

In the spirit of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, click “View Slideshow” to avoid these six surprising habits that may be harming your breast health.

Woman in bra holding flower
These simple habits, from drinking alcohol to working late at night, can elevate your risk for breast cancer throughout your lifetime. Pixabay, Public Domain