Experts from Mount Sinai Health System discussed modifiable lifestyle factors and common misconceptions regarding skin and breast cancer at the 2026 Women in Power Summit.
Key facts
- •Sunscreen should be reapplied every 40 to 80 minutes, regardless of weather conditions.
- •Ninety percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease.
- •Needle biopsies are the standard of care for breast cancer diagnosis in 99 percent of cases.
- •Weight-related health conditions, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, may be mitigated by weight loss.
- •Dr. Lamb debunked the myth that wearing sunscreen causes cancer.
At the 2026 Women in Power Summit on Monday, Dr. Angela Lamb and Dr. Elisa Port of the Mount Sinai Health System outlined lifestyle changes to reduce cancer risks. The experts addressed specific habits related to skin and breast cancer while debunking common health myths during a panel moderated by WellSpace for Women founder Cathy O’Brien.
Modifiable Risks for Skin Cancer
Dr. Angela Lamb emphasized that sun protection is the primary modifiable factor for skin cancer. She recommends applying sunscreen between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., reapplying every 40 to 80 minutes, and using two finger widths for the face or a shot glass for the body. Additional risk factors include smoking, pollution, and stress, which contribute to the presence of free radicals in the body.
Breast Cancer Factors and Misconceptions
Dr. Elisa Port identified weight and alcohol consumption as key lifestyle risks for breast cancer. She noted that weight-related conditions requiring medication—such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, or borderline diabetes—can often be managed through weight loss. Regarding alcohol, studies suggest a lower risk for those who are alcohol-free compared to those who consume even small amounts. Port also debunked the myth that a lack of family history eliminates breast cancer risk, noting that 90 percent of patients have no such history. She reaffirmed that mammograms remain the best screening tool and that needle biopsies are the standard, safe, and accurate method for diagnosis in 99 percent of cases.
Debunking Skin Cancer Myths
Dr. Lamb addressed several common misconceptions regarding skin cancer. She stated that getting a base tan is not beneficial for the skin, wearing sunscreen does not cause cancer, and melanoma is not a risk limited only to fair-skinned individuals.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by WWD.
