How to Understand and Manage Your Breast Cancer Risk
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, with an estimated 281,550 new cases and 43,600 deaths in 2021. While some risk factors, such as age and family history, cannot be changed, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk and improve your overall health.
Understand Your Risk Factors
Some of the key risk factors for breast cancer include:
* Age: The risk of breast cancer increases as women get older.
* Family history: Having a close relative (such as a mother, sister, or daughter) who has had breast cancer increases your risk.
* Personal history: Having a personal history of certain breast conditions, such as atypical hyperplasia, also increases your risk.
* Genetic mutations: Inherited gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, greatly increase the risk of breast cancer.
* Dense breasts: Women with dense breast tissue have a higher risk of breast cancer.
* Obesity: Obese women have a higher risk of breast cancer, especially after menopause.
* Alcohol consumption: Heavy alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.
* Radiation therapy: Women who have received radiation therapy to the chest area are at an increased risk of breast cancer.
Manage Your Risk
While you cannot change some risk factors, such as your age or family history, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk of breast cancer, including:
* Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a known risk factor for breast cancer, especially after menopause. Aim to maintain a healthy weight for your age and height, and reduce your risk of breast cancer by 20-30%.
* Get regular exercise: Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer, especially in postmenopausal women. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
* Limit alcohol consumption: Heavy alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Limit your alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
* Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Choose lean protein sources, limit your intake of saturated and trans fats, and avoid sugary drinks.
* Avoid tobacco smoke: Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of breast cancer, especially in younger women. Quit smoking to reduce your risk and improve your overall health.
* Get regular mammograms: Mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early, when it is most treatable. Women should start getting regular mammograms at age 40, or earlier if they are at high risk.
* Talk to your doctor about your risk: If you are concerned about your risk of breast cancer, talk to your doctor. They can assess your individual risk and recommend steps you can take to reduce your risk.
By understanding your risk factors and taking steps to reduce your risk, you can help improve your overall health and reduce your risk of breast cancer.