Lowering Your Risk for Breast Cancer

Things like a healthy diet and active lifestyle will lower your risk for breast cancer.

Lowering Your Risk for Breast Cancer

There are also ways you can lower your risk of breast cancer. Things like a healthy diet and active lifestyle will lower your risk for breast cancer, as well as diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Here are some things you can do to lower your risk for breast cancer:

  • Limit alcohol. The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of developing breast cancer. The general recommendation — based on research on the effect of alcohol on breast cancer risk — is to limit yourself to less than one drink a day, as even small amounts increase risk.
  • Don’t smoke. Evidence suggests a link between smoking and breast cancer risk, particularly in premenopausal women.
  • Control your weight. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer. This is especially true if obesity occurs later in life, particularly after menopause.
  • Be physically active. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, which helps prevent breast cancer. Most healthy adults should aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly, plus strength training at least twice a week.
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  • Breast-feed. Breast-feeding might play a role in breast cancer prevention. The longer you breast-feed, the greater the protective effect.
  • Limit dose and duration of hormone therapy. Combination hormone therapy for more than three to five years increases the risk of breast cancer. If you’re taking hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms, ask your doctor about other options. You might be able to manage your symptoms with nonhormonal therapies and medications. If you decide that the benefits of short-term hormone therapy outweigh the risks, use the lowest dose that works for you and continue to have your doctor monitor the length of time you’re taking hormones.
  • Avoid exposure to radiation and environmental pollution. Medical-imaging methods, such as computerized tomography, use high doses of radiation. While more studies are needed, some research suggests a link between breast cancer and cumulative exposure to radiation over your lifetime. Reduce your exposure by having such tests only when absolutely necessary.
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Tamoxifen and Raloxifene

There are also drugs that can be prescribed to women with higher than average risk of breast cancer. Both of these drugs are selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). This means that they act against (or block) estrogen (a female hormone) in some tissues of the body, but act like estrogen in others. Estrogen can fuel the growth of breast cancer cells. Both of these drugs block estrogen in breast cells, which is why they can be useful in lowering breast cancer risk. However, it is important to keep in mind that these drugs have some risks and side effects. Learn more about those here.

Self Examination

It is also important to be vigilant about breast cancer detection. If you notice any changes in your breasts, such as a new lump or skin changes, consult your doctor. Also, ask your doctor when to begin mammograms and other screenings based on your personal history.

If you have any questions or concerns with your personal health relating to breast care, contact us today at (727) 357-MIIS (6447) to schedule a consultation.

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