While there are risk factors you can’t control, following a healthy lifestyle, getting regular screenings, and taking any preventive measures your doctor recommends can help reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.
Lifestyle factors
Lifestyle factors can affect your risk for breast cancer. For instance, women who have obesity have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Maintaining a nutrient-dense diet and getting regular exercise as often as possible could help you lose weight and lower your risk. Alcohol misuse also increases your risk. This can be having more than two drinks per day or binge drinking.
However, worldwide research showed that even one drink per day increases your risk for breast cancer. If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about what amount they recommend for you.
Breast cancer screening
Having regular mammograms may not prevent breast cancer, but it can help reduce the chances that it will go undetected. General recommendations for women at average risk for breast cancer:
- Women ages 40 to 49: An annual mammogram isn’t recommended, but women should discuss their preferences with their doctors.
- Women ages 50 to 74: A mammogram every other year is recommended.
- Women 75 and older: Mammograms are no longer recommended.
The ACP also recommends against mammograms for women with a life expectancy of 10 years or less.
These are only guidelines.
Recommendations from the ACS differ. According to the ACS, women should have the option of receiving annual screenings at 40 years old, begin annual screenings at 45 years old, and move to biennial screening at 55 years old.
Specific recommendations for mammograms are different for each woman, so talk with your doctor to see if you should get regular mammograms.
Pre-emptive treatment
Some women are at increased risk for breast cancer due to hereditary factors. For instance, if your mother or father has a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, you’re at higher risk for having it as well. This significantly raises your risk for breast cancer.
If you’re at risk for this mutation, talk with your doctor about your diagnostic and prophylactic treatment options. You may want to be tested to find out whether you have the mutation.
And if you learn that you do have it, talk with your doctor about any pre-emptive steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. These steps could include a prophylactic mastectomy (surgical removal of a breast). In addition to mammograms, breast exams are another way to watch for signs of breast cancer.
Self-exams
Many women do breast self-examination. It’s best to do this exam once a month, at the same time each month. The exam can help you become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel so that you’re aware of any changes that occur.
Keep in mind, though, that these exams are optional because current research hasn’t shown a clear benefit of physical exams, whether performed at home or by a doctor.
Breast exam by your doctor
The same guidelines for self-exams provided above are true for breast exams done by your doctor or other healthcare professional. They won’t hurt you, and your doctor may do a breast exam during your annual visit.
If you’re having symptoms that concern you, it’s a good idea to have your doctor do a breast exam. During the exam, your doctor will check both of your breasts for abnormal spots or signs of breast cancer. Your doctor may also check other parts of your body to see if the symptoms you’re having could be related to another condition.
