Your choices. Your future. While you cannot prevent breast cancer, there are many actions you can take to lower your risk and to catch the disease at an early stage—when it is most responsive to treatment.
What can I do to lower my risk of breast cancer?
You cannot change risk factors such as family history, but you can take preventive measures to reduce your risk of breast cancer in other ways.- Avoid alcohol.
- Don’t smoke. Many studies now reveal a link between smoking and breast cancer, particularly in post-menopausal women. Quitting has tremendous benefits for your overall health.
- Control your weight. Obesity increases the risk of breast cancer, particularly when it occurs later in life.
- Get at least 150 minutes per week of aerobic activity. This amount of moderate exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, which in turn helps prevent breast cancer.
- Breastfeed for as long as possible. The longer you breast feed, the greater the protective affect.
- Limit the dose and duration of hormone therapy. Combination hormone therapy for more than three to five years increases the risk of breast cancer. Ask your doctor for alternatives.
- Avoid exposure to radiation and environmental pollution. Expose yourself to these effects only when absolutely necessary.