If you’re a woman and you’re getting older, you’re at risk of getting breast cancer. These are risk factors that you cannot change. In fact, most women who get breast cancer have no common risk factors or history of the disease in their families. However, there are still ways you can be proactive to keep yourself as healthy as possible as well as detect breast cancer early. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, here are some ways women can lower their risk of breast cancer.
Posted by: American Cancer Society
Can I Lower My Risk of Breast Cancer?
Get to and stay at a healthy weight: Both increased body weight and weight gain as an adult are linked with a higher risk of breast cancer after menopause. The American Cancer Society recommends you stay at a healthy weight throughout your life and avoid excess weight gain by balancing your food intake with physical activity.
Be physically active: Many studies have shown that moderate to vigorous physical activity is linked with lower breast cancer risk, so it’s important to get regular physical activity. The American Cancer Society recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity each week (or a combination of these), preferably spread throughout the week.
Limit or avoid alcohol: Alcohol also increases risk of breast cancer. Even low levels of alcohol intake have been linked with an increase in risk. The American Cancer Society recommends that women who drink have no more than 1 alcoholic drink a day. A drink is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits (hard liquor).
For more on the links between body weight, physical activity, diet, and breast cancer (as well as other cancers), see American Cancer Society Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention.
Click here to read about other factors that might lower risk
While there is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, a healthy lifestyle and early detection can be key in treating the disease. This means you’re checking your breasts for cancer before there are signs or symptoms by:
Getting a mammogram every two years (this recommendation is for women 50 to 74 years old. Women under 50 should talk to their health care professional about when to start getting mammograms).
An MRI if you’re at a higher risk.
Self-Exam – learn what to look for here.
Clinical Breast Exam – when a doctor or nurse checks for any lumps or other changes and abnormalities.
Orchard Hospital is committed to helping spread awareness and offer services to help women reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Contact the Medical Specialty Center – Your Everyday Health Care Clinic – to schedule an appointment with a provider today (530) 846-9080.
To schedule your mammogram contact the Radiology Department at (530) 846-9052.
Our mission at Orchard Hospital is to provide our community with superior healthcare. We strive to ensure that your experience at Orchard Hospital is as pleasant and comfortable as possible. Our priority is to provide you with the care you need when you need it, with skill, compassion, and respect.
