Lifestyle Risks and Breast Cancer

According to the American Cancer Association, an estimated 216,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in American women in 2004. Want to know how to reduce your risk? Try the following lifestyle changes, which may help prevent or decrease your breast-cancer risk:

Get active. Regular physical activity (at least 30 minutes on most days) has been shown to be protective against breast cancer.

Diet is very important. Plant-based or plant focused diets have proven health benefits and reduce cancer risk. 

Supplement wisely. Folic acid, vitamin D and antioxidants all may help.

Reduce exposure to xenoestrogens. These are chemicals with estrogen-like activity that are found in common pesticides and industrial pollutants and as hormone residues in meat, poultry and dairy products.

Avoid exposure to radiation. Limiting the number of CT scans and chest x-rays, especially at a young age, may decrease the risk of breast cancer. Mammograms have minimal low dose radiation and are recommended as routine screening.

Maintain your health care. Early detection is key: in addition to monthly self examinations, women between age 20 and 39 should have a clinical breast exam performed by a health-care professional at least every three years; women 40 years of age or older should have annual breast exams and mammograms.

Since cancer risks increase with age, we recommend ongoing screening and early detection programs in advancing age women who hope to continue a healthy remaining life.

Talk with your doctor. If you have close relatives with breast cancer, your personal risk is increased. Let your doctor know your family history, and discuss other ways you can help to prevent breast cancer.

Author

Swor Women's Care Dr MIchael Swor is the founder and managing OBGYN physician at Swor Women's Care. Posts and blog updates are provided with the help of his partners, Dr Jenny Lichon and Dr KASH, as well as other healthcare providers and staff in the practice.