Breast cancer prevention: How to reduce your risk

Limit alcohol - The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of developing breast
cancer. The general recommendation — based
on research on the effect of alcohol on breast
cancer risk — is to limit yourself to less than
1 drink per day as even small amounts
increase risk.

Don't smoke - Accumulating evidence
suggests a link between smoking and breast
cancer risk, particularly in premenopausal
women. In addition, not smoking is one of the
best things you can do for your overall
health.

Control your weight - Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer.
This is especially true if obesity occurs later
in life, particularly after menopause.


Be physically active - Physicalactivity can help you maintain a healthy weight, which, in
turn, helps prevent breast cancer. For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150
minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly, plus strength training at least twice a
week. Breast-feed. Breast-feeding might play a role
in breast cancer prevention. The longer you
breast-feed, the greater the protective effect.


Limit dose and duration of hormone therapy - Combination hormone therapy for more than
three to five years increases the risk of breast cancer. If you're taking hormone therapy for
menopausal symptoms, ask your doctor about other options. You might be able to
manage your symptoms with nonhormonal
therapies and medications. If you decide that
the benefits of short-term hormone therapy
outweigh the risks, use the lowest dose that
works for you and continue to have your
doctor monitor the length of time you are
taking hormones.

Avoid exposure to radiation and
environmental pollution -
Medical-imaging
methods, such as computerized tomography,
use high doses of radiation. While more
studies are needed, some research suggests
a link between breast cancer and radiation
exposure. Reduce your exposure by having
such tests only when absolutely necessary.