As is true in all areas of systemic health, prevention and early detection are key in the fight against breast cancer. The former is all about raising awareness of the risk factors for breast cancer and educating the general population to reduce these behaviours as much as possible. These include being overweight or obese and excessive alcohol consumption. There is also evidence that taking the contraceptive pill may increase the risk slightly, with research showing a 20-30% higher risk among women currently or recently taking a combined oral or progestogen-only contraceptive.[i]
Unmodifiable risk factors are just as important to be aware of, although individuals have less control over them. These include age, a family history of the disease, diabetes, dense breast tissue, hormone imbalances and previous cancers.[ii]
When it comes to identifying the disease as early as possible, many countries around the world implement a screening programme that focuses on those with the highest risks. In the UK, mammograms are provided through the NHS every 3 years for women aged between 50 and 71.[iii] The results determine whether the tissue is normal or if further testing is needed, such as another mammogram, an ultrasound or a biopsy.
Thanks to early detection and rapid treatment, breast cancer survival has doubled in the past 50 years. Today, 86% of people live for 5 years or more beyond their diagnosis.[iv] Treatment in women will vary depending on the size, stage, location and type of breast cancer identified, but may involve surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted immunotherapy or a combination of these and more.[v]
It is important to remember that breast cancer can affect men too, with approximately 400 individuals diagnosed every year in the UK. The disease is often detected much later in males, meaning that increased awareness of the risks and symptoms is essential to improve the statistics.
Latest research
Breast cancer remains a key focus of research and treatment development, with new ideas, disease insights and management therapies frequently coming to the fore.
Heralded as a break-through in the scientific research last year, experts in Manchester reported initial success with a new way to study and develop drugs for breast cancer. Researchers[vi] were able to preserve breast tissue outside the body, maintaining its viability for accurate testing over the following seven days. The goal was to use this approach to investigate how different drugs and hormone therapies reacted to the cells.
More recently, research into drug therapies that can target emerging tumours before they grow in advanced cases, delaying the need for solutions like chemotherapy, has reported promising initial findings.
Links to oral health
Dentists and their teams should be signposting patients with any concerns towards the appropriate cancer pathways, but we are not responsible for the detection, diagnosis or management of the disease. What we can do is help patients reduce and manage oral symptoms of their breast cancer or the treatment they are undergoing as a result.
For example, the literature shows that periodontal disease and tooth loss are common among postmenopausal breast cancer survivors – with up to 98% of study participants experiencing the disease.[vii] This can have a significant impact on each individual’s quality of life, creating even more challenges for them to overcome when they already have plenty to worry about.
Several of the most common cancer treatments are associated with oral complications too. Chemotherapy, for example, can often cause oral mucositis, xerostomia and salivary hypofunction, while the use of bisphosphonates can increase the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw.[viii]
There is also much we can do to help patients reduce their chance of developing breast cancer in the first place. Research has estimated that women’s risk of breast cancer is up to three time greater when they have periodontitis.[ix] Basic yet essential on-going dental care, regular appointments and a supported at-home oral hygiene routine are, therefore, crucial for all our patients.
A holistic approach to patient care
Breast cancer remains a prevalent and challenging disease, but enhanced understanding, continued research and treatment development are all helping to improve survival rates and quality of life for those diagnosed. For dental professionals, our role is an important one, supporting patients and optimising their oral health for a reduce risk of cancer. For those undergoing active cancer treatment or who have come out the other side, the dental team is well positioned to help restore oral function and enhance quality of life.
Author: Dr Michael Sultan
[i] Fitzpatrick D, Pirie K, Reeves G, Green J, Beral V (2023) Combined and progestagen-only hormonal contraceptives and breast cancer risk: A UK nested case–control study and meta-analysis. PLoS Med 20(3): e1004188. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1004188
[ii] Cancer Research UK. Risk factors for breast cancer. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer/risks-causes/risk-factors [Accessed July 2025]
[iii] NHS. When you’ll be invited for breast screening and who should go. https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/breast-screening-mammogram/when-youll-be-invited-and-who-should-go/ [Accessed July 2025]
[iv] Breast cancer facts and statistics. Breast Cancer Now UK. https://breastcancernow.org/about-us/why-we-do-it/breast-cancer-facts-and-statistics/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=60785698&gbraid=0AAAAAD1B14g2XOnzQ9YSO7iJc0y8CFVdj&gclid=Cj0KCQjwhafEBhCcARIsAEGZEKLRAkq_fGuLDfMWZUkC0AtFTtW0XYExqwXikXbRXLjgLSu9HJO2fkQaAlHgEALw_wcB#survival-statistics [Accessed July 2025]
[v] Treatment for breast cancer in women. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/treatment-for-breast-cancer-in-women/ [Accessed July 2025]
[vi] Drake J. Scientific breakthrough paves the way for new preventative breast cancer drugs. May 2024. https://preventbreastcancer.org.uk/breakthrough-paves-way-for-preventative-breast-cancer-drugs/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=16146174706&gbraid=0AAAAADPpIUChnPnmvGcPc5dMir-BryH0I&gclid=Cj0KCQjwhafEBhCcARIsAEGZEKIngyCQyJmhvQV098uI8JqSMOz4omDft5akeXuwpGm7gQxFCn622E0aAug8EALw_wcB [Accessed July 2025]
[vii] Amódio J, Palioto DB, Carrara HH, Tiezzi DG, Andrade JM, Reis FJ. Oral health after breast cancer treatment in postmenopausal women. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2014 Dec;69(10):706-8. doi: 10.6061/clinics/2014(10)10. PMID: 25518024; PMCID: PMC4221315.
[viii] Oral complications of cancer therapies (PDQ) – health professional version. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/mouth-throat/oral-complications-hp-pdq#_913 [Accessed July 2025]
[ix] Sfreddo CS, Maier J, De David SC, Susin C, Moreira CHC. Periodontitis and breast cancer: A case-control study. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. 2017 Dec;45(6):545-551. doi: 10.1111/cdoe.12318. Epub 2017 Jun 27. PMID: 28653758.
