New study offers some encouraging news for breast cancer survivors
By patricklewis // 2025-09-16
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  • Women diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50 have about an 86 percent higher risk of developing a second primary cancer (outside the breast) compared to same‐age women without breast cancer; for those diagnosed after 50, the risk increase is about 17 percent.
  • Some second cancers are much more likely, including: cancer in the opposite (contralateral) breast (around double the risk), endometrial (uterine) cancer (~87 percent higher), myeloid leukemia (~58 percent higher) and ovarian cancer (~25 percent higher).
  • Breast cancer survivors from the most deprived areas have substantially higher risk of second cancers compared to those from the least deprived areas.
  • Younger survivors are more likely to carry inherited mutations (e.g. BRCA1/2) that elevate risk; certain cancer treatments also associate with increased risk for non‐breast second cancers.
  • Although the risk of second cancers is elevated, the absolute increase is modest, especially relative to risks of recurrence of the original cancer; surveillance, healthy lifestyles and addressing inequalities may help reduce risk.

A recent large‐scale study out of the U.K. has delivered some encouraging news for women who have survived breast cancer. While it has long been known that having had one cancer generally raises the chance of developing a second primary cancer, the magnitude of that risk for breast cancer survivors appears somewhat lower in certain contexts than previously believed. According to researchers analyzing data from close to 600,000 breast cancer survivors in England between 1995 and 2019, those diagnosed under age 50 were about 86 percent more likely to develop a second primary cancer compared to women of the same age who never had breast cancer. For women diagnosed after age 50, the increase in risk was smaller — about 17 percent.

Types of cancer that tend to occur after breast cancer

The study detailed which cancers are more likely to emerge as second primaries in breast cancer survivors. Some of the highest relative risks were for:

  • A cancer in the other breast (contralateral breast cancer) — roughly double the risk.
  • Endometrial (uterine) cancer — about an 87 percent increased risk among female survivors.
  • Myeloid leukemia — about 58 percent higher risk.
  • Ovarian cancer, also elevated.

Other cancers with increased risks in breast cancer survivors include lung, oesophageal, stomach, kidney, bladder, skin (melanoma), thyroid, pancreas and bladder cancers — especially pronounced among younger survivors (diagnosed before age 50).

Factors that contribute to higher risks include genetic mutations (such as in BRCA1/2), treatment modalities (radiation exposure, certain chemotherapies) and lifestyle components (smoking, obesity, alcohol intake). (Related: American Cancer Society admits conventional cancer treatment causes more cancer.)

Lowering the risk of second cancers

Although the risk is elevated for certain cancers, there are clear steps that survivors can take to minimize the chance of a new primary cancer. Here are some proven strategies:

  • Regular follow‐ups and early detection. Ongoing surveillance (mammograms, clinical exams and other screening as recommended) helps catch any new cancer early when treatment is more effective.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is a known risk factor for several second cancers after breast cancer, including endometrial, colorectal and others. Keeping body weight in a healthy range helps reduce risk.
  • Avoid or quit smoking. Smoking is strongly associated with higher risks of lung cancer, and studies show that among breast cancer survivors, smoking greatly increases the risk of second primary lung cancer.
  • Limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol is a risk factor for several cancers, and reducing alcohol use lowers the burden of risk.
  • Healthy diet and physical activity. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and minimizing processed foods; staying physically active; limiting sedentary behavior — all contribute not only to general health but reduce cancer risks.
  • Appropriate use of treatments and monitoring for side effects. Some breast cancer treatments (radiation, certain chemotherapy agents, hormonal therapies such as tamoxifen) may carry small risks of inducing second cancers. But in most cases, the benefits far outweigh those risks. Survivors should discuss with their oncologists what risk mitigation (like careful radiation field design, duration of hormone therapy, etc.) might apply in their case.
As per Brighteon AI's Enoch, preventing cancer after breast cancer involves a holistic approach that emphasizes natural health and personal responsibility. By adopting a diet rich in organic, nutrient-dense foods, particularly those high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds and by integrating regular physical activity, you can support your body's natural defenses and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Additionally, working with a holistic doctor who understands the importance of natural medicine and the dangers of conventional treatments can provide you with personalized guidance and support in your journey to health and wellness. Find more related stories at Cancer.news. Fragrances contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals and phthalates. Watch this video to learn more.
This video is from the Puretrauma357 channel on Brighteon.com.

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