Several lifestyle factors are associated with increased risk of breast cancer. Women at high risk should be especially focused on reducing the chances of developing breast cancer. Contributors to that cannot be controlled include family history, age and genetic mutations that are hereditary. Having a blood relative with breast cancer also increases the risk. Caucasians are at greater risk than are African Americans. Women with a history of fibrocystic breast disease and other breast tissue abnormalities, including dense breast tissue are at higher risk for breast cancer. Past history of radiation therapy, especially during puberty is also a risk factor. Oral use of DES (diethylstilbestrol) can increase the chances of breast cancer. DES is a hormone given to women in the 1960's to prevent miscarriage. Not all women with risk factors will get breast cancer.
Step 1
Consider genetic testing to find out if you possess a genetic tendency for breast cancer development. Women who have mutation of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene have an 80 percent increased chance of developing breast cancer. If you have a blood relative diagnosed with breast cancer, you may have a hereditary BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation. Some women who have the gene mutation have opted for bilateral mastectomy before breast cancer develops. Other gene mutations can also increase breast cancer risk. Gene tests are easily performed and can be ordered by your physician.
Step 2
Control obesity to reduce your risk of breast cancer. Fat cells contribute to cancer. Women who are obese are at increased risk. Mid section obesity and weight gain with menopause seems to be the worse risk factor compared to women with increased weight since childhood. A balance of healthy eating and regular exercise controls obesity and is a lifetime commitment.
Step 3
Limit your alcohol intake to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. One drink a day increases breast cancer risk only slightly and is the limit recommended by the American Cancer Society. That risk increases one and half times compared to no alcohol consumption for women who consume two to five alcoholic beverages. Heavy alcohol intake increases the risk even more.
Step 4
Exercise daily to reduce your risk of breast cancer. Besides controlling obesity, exercise has also been found to decrease breast cancer risk in ways that are complex, and not easily understood. One study suggests that intensive exercise and calorie restriction combined can prevent breast cancer.
Step 5
Consider the risks versus benefits of combined postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy as well as use of oral contraceptives, both of which can increase risk of breast cancer .Oral contraceptives increase breast cancer risk slightly, but the risk declines when the hormones are stopped. Post-menopausal combined (estrogen and progesterone) hormone replacement therapy is a definite risk for breast cancer. If it has been more than five years since hormone replacement therapy has been used, you are no longer considered at increased risk for breast cancer. If you decide to use hormones to control menopause symptoms, discontinue as soon as possible, and use the lowest dose that controls symptoms.
