Breast Cancer Risk Reductions

There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. Here are some strategies that may be helpful:

1. Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of breast cancer, especially after menopause. Try to maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
2. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise, such as brisk walking or jogging, can help reduce your risk of breast cancer. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.
3. Limit alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer. Women should limit their alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day.
4. Quit smoking: Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, especially in younger women. Quitting smoking can help reduce your risk.
5. Breastfeed if possible: Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer, especially in premenopausal women.
6. Consider hormonal therapy: Some women may benefit from hormonal therapy, such as tamoxifen or raloxifene, to reduce their risk of breast cancer. However, these medications also carry risks and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
7. Stay up-to-date with breast cancer screening: Regular mammograms and clinical breast exams can help detect breast cancer early, when it is most treatable.

While these strategies may help reduce your risk of breast cancer, it’s important to remember that not all breast cancers can be prevented. If you have concerns about your breast cancer risk or need help developing a risk reduction plan, talk to your healthcare provider.