New research reveals rising breast cancer risks among women in Georgia

ATLANTA, Ga. (WRBL) — The American Cancer Society says breast cancer remains the most common cancer in the United States — and with October marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month, doctors are reminding women to schedule their mammograms and stay proactive about screenings.

Dr. Jayanthi Srinivasiah, a hematology oncologist at Northside Hospital and the Georgia Cancer Specialists, has been helping patients navigate their cancer journey for more than three decades.

She says advancements in medical genetics and genomics are transforming how doctors approach treatment.

“Now, when you are diagnosed with breast cancer, not only do we do medical genetics, we are also looking at genomics to train our treatment,” said Dr. Srinivasiah. “The treatment can be a different order in which we treat our patients.”

According to the Georgia Cancer Institute, breast cancer accounts for nearly 30% of all cancer cases in the state — with about 10,000 women expected to be diagnosed this year alone.

Dr. Srinivasiah says several factors increase risk, including diet, genetics, and hormonal exposure.

“Women who have no children are at higher risk because of unopposed estrogen exposure,” she explained. “Women who have periods early in life — around age 10 or younger — or who don’t breastfeed also face slightly higher risks.”

Researchers also point to hormonal influences such as long-term birth control use and hormone replacement therapy after menopause as additional risk factors.

Doctors stress that early detection is the key to survival. Women over the age of 35 are encouraged to schedule regular mammograms, which can detect cancer early when it’s most treatable.

The FDA now requires all mammogram reports to notify women if they have dense breast tissue, which can make it harder to spot abnormalities.

To reduce your risk, physicians recommend maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, limiting alcohol, and exercising for at least 45 minutes a day.