Is Breast Cancer Preventable?

By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. While there are no specific instructions for breast cancer prevention, there are many things you can do to reduce your risk. Here are six lifestyle steps that research shows contribute to reducing breast cancer risk. 

Manage Your Weight. Overweight and obesity increase the occurrence of breast cancer, especially after menopause (when breast cancer occurs most often). Healthy eating and physical activity likely contribute most to risk reduction by promoting weight loss.

Limit Your Alcohol Intake. As alcohol intake rises, so does breast cancer risk. If you do consume alcohol, limit intake to one drink daily from all sources (a 12-ounce beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces spirits).  

Breastfeed. The longer you breastfeed, the greater the protective effect. Breastfeeding for one year appears to provide the greatest effect.

Avoid Hormone Replacement Therapy. Using hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms can raise your risk. Avoid progesterone containing therapy (stick with estrogen), and limit use to less than three years. Talk to your doctor about non-hormonal ways to manage menopausal symptoms. And “bio-identical” hormones have the same risks as any others.

Conduct a Monthly Self-Exam. Get to know your own breasts. A monthly self-exam (one week after your period) can detect changes like lumps, skin changes, or nipple discharge. With any changes, schedule an appointment with your doctor.

Schedule a Yearly Medical Exam. Combine your lifestyle plan with a yearly visit to your gynecologist or primary care doctor to discuss a personalized plan for additional breast cancer screening. In addition to a physical exam, you can discuss the timing of mammograms and other screenings that support optimal risk reduction.