My Breakthrough
Reducing your risk
At the moment we don't have enough information or the means to prevent breast cancer. Our growing knowledge of breast cancer risk factors means that we may one day be able to reduce the risk of developing the disease.
Unfortunately, many of the established risk factors for breast cancer are beyond our control, like our height or getting older. There are a few lifestyle factors that we can change, for example how much alcohol we drink, our weight and the amount of exercise we do. Women need to be able to make informed decisions about lifestyle choices such as whether to use HRT or the Pill, and how much alcohol to drink.
If you are worried about your breast cancer risk you should talk about your options with your doctor.
Following a healthy lifestyle will help to maintain general good health, a healthy body weight and reduce the risk of many diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and other cancers. Providing that you eat sensibly most of the time there is no need to worry about the occasional indulgence.
Even though smoking does not seem to be linked to breast cancer risk, it increases the risk of many other diseases, so everyone is strongly advised not to smoke.
Being breast aware and having regular mammograms will not prevent you from developing breast cancer. But they can help to find breast cancer early when it is more likely to be successfully treated.
If you are worried about your breast cancer risk you should talk about your options with your doctor.
Should I follow a healthy lifestyle?
Even though more scientific research is needed before we can be sure about the links between diet, exercise and breast cancer, all women are encouraged to follow a healthy lifestyle by:- Eating a balanced, healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods and is limited in red meat and animal fat.
- Limiting alcohol consumption.
- Exercising regularly.
- Maintaining a healthy weight
Following a healthy lifestyle will help to maintain general good health, a healthy body weight and reduce the risk of many diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and other cancers. Providing that you eat sensibly most of the time there is no need to worry about the occasional indulgence.
Even though smoking does not seem to be linked to breast cancer risk, it increases the risk of many other diseases, so everyone is strongly advised not to smoke.
Be Breast Aware and attend the NHS Breast Screening Programme
Since we don't know how to prevent breast cancer, two important things that you can do are be breast aware and, if you are over 50 years old, attend the NHS breast screening programme.Being breast aware and having regular mammograms will not prevent you from developing breast cancer. But they can help to find breast cancer early when it is more likely to be successfully treated.
What should I do if I am worried about the risk factors mentioned here?
If you are worried about any of the breast cancer risk factors mentioned on these pages you should discuss your concerns with your GP.
Also within "Breast awareness & risk factors"
