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.

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 chest x-rays, especially at a young age, may decrease the risk of breast cancer.

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.

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.