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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to spotlight a disease that will affect hundreds of thousands of Americans this year. In the U.S., a new case of breast cancer is diagnosed about every two minutes, with more than 317,000 women and 2,800 men expected to receive the diagnosis in 2025, according to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
At The University of Texas at Arlington, nursing professor Zhaoli Liu has published extensively on breast cancer, including a recent study in Geriatric Nursing on detection among older women.
Dr. Liu shared her insights on the disease and the latest research.
What are the most common myths about breast cancer?
Dr. Liu: Many people think breast cancer only affects women or shows up as a lump, but men can get it, too, and warning signs include changes in breast shape, skin, or nipples. Also, most cases occur without a family history, and young women can be at risk. Screening and follow-up care are essential. Treatments vary and surgery isn't always a mastectomy.
How has breast cancer awareness and detection improved in recent years?
Dr. Liu: Over the past decade, breast cancer awareness and detection have improved through public education, better screening, and advanced imaging like 3D mammography. Genetic testing and personalized risk assessments also help identify high-risk individuals earlier, leading to earlier diagnoses and better outcomes.
Can lifestyle choices like diet and exercise really reduce breast cancer risk?
Dr. Liu: Yes, recent studies highlight that both exercise and diet play significant roles in reducing breast cancer risk and improving outcomes for those diagnosed. Engaging in regular physical activity is associated with a 10%-20% lower risk of developing breast cancer, according to Komen.org. A study based on data in the UK also found that even minimal daily activity, such as five minutes of vigorous intermittent physical activity, can reduce cancer risk by up to 32%. Post-treatment exercise has been shown to decrease the risk of recurrence and improve survival rates. For diet, studies have shown that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber, and low in processed foods, may enhance treatment responses and reduce recurrence risk. Additionally, the Mediterranean diet, emphasizing whole, minimally processed foods, has been linked to a protective effect, especially among postmenopausal women. There is currently insufficient evidence on diets such as ketogenic or low-carbohydrate diets, low-fat diets, functional foods, or fasting to improve outcomes.
What warning signs should people watch for and get checked right away?
Dr. Liu: Early warning signs of breast cancer include lumps or thickened areas, changes in breast shape or skin (like dimpling or redness), and nipple changes such as inversion or unusual discharge. Persistent breast or nipple pain should also be checked. Noticing these changes early and getting them evaluated can greatly improve outcomes.
What new treatments are giving patients more hope today?
Dr. Liu: We are moving toward more personalized and targeted treatments, which enhance outcomes for patients. These include oral targeted therapies such as Inluriyo and Inavolisib combinations, which slow down cancer more effectively by going after specific mutations. Antibody-drug conjugates such as Enhertu and datopotamab deruxtecan act like "smart chemo," delivering drugs directly to cancer cells with fewer side effects. Finally, better imaging and surgical tools help surgeons identify and remove tumors more precisely.
What's the best advice you'd give someone who wants to lower their risk?
Dr. Liu: The most important thing is to stay proactive. Prevention starts with awareness and healthy habits. Maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, limiting alcohol, and avoiding tobacco can help reduce risk. Most importantly, remember that routine screenings should begin at the age of 40, or earlier if you have higher risk factors, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
Celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2025, The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With a student body of over 42,700, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation's top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 280,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.
