Breast Cancer Prevention

From Healthline

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), more than 232,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013. Next to skin cancer, it’s the most common cancer diagnosed in women. There is no way to fully prevent breast cancer, since there is no singular cause. You may be able to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer, but it’s still possible to develop the disease.

Some risk factors, like gender, family history, age, and genetics, cannot be changed. Despite this, you can still make healthy choices and change what you can.

The BRCA gene mutation increases a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. Talk to your doctor about getting genetic testing if breast cancer runs in your family. If your results indicate that you are high risk for developing breast cancer,  there are actions you can take to help reduce your risk. These include preventative surgery, medication, and frequent breast exams. A genetic counselor can help you with interpreting and understanding your results, and deciding what to do.

Certain lifestyle factors can increase your risk of developing breast cancer. Obesity,  lack of physical exercise, and smoking cigarettes are risk factors for the disease. Studies have shown that maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular exercise can reduce your risk of breast cancer. Drinking alcohol has also been associated with an increased risk of disease. It’s a good idea to limit or cut out alcoholic drinks. Smoking increases your risk of several cancers, and quitting can help reduce your risk of breast cancer.

Women with a history of a pregnancy before the age of 30 have been shown to have a lower risk of breast cancer compared with women whose first pregnancy and birth occurred after 30, says breastcancer.org. If you breastfeed for several months after giving birth, it might reduce your risk of developing breast cancer, suggests the American Cancer Society.