Breast Cancer Prevention

Breast cancer prevention now can help you avoid breast cancer later in life.

There are many ways to fight breast cancer, and prevention is by far the best. Start your fight against the disease before you are even diagnosed. The old adage, "prevention is the best medicine," still holds true. Prevention and early detection will give you an edge in the fight against breast cancer.

For Breast cancer prevention , you first need to know some of its causes.

Causes and Risk Factors of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer does not have a single, absolute cause. Nor does it have one risk factor significantly higher than another, such as the link between smoking and lung cancer. Instead, breast cancer has a series of risk factors. You might have none, some, or all of these risk factors and still be diagnosed with cancer.

Risk factors may include family history, preexisting breast conditions, hormones, and lifestyle factors.

Family History

If you're a woman, you are already at risk. If you have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, you have an increased risk of breast cancer. This mutation has been shown to be more common in families with a history of breast cancer. If you learn you have this gene, you know you need to be prepared.

Unfortunately, you cannot simply remove this gene, nor can you erase your family history of the disease. The best way to combat genetic risks is to understand and anticipate breast cancer. This means keeping a close eye on changes in your body.

Make sure you have routine screenings and mammograms, as well. Most people don't need to make mammograms part of their annual physical until after age 30. However, if you have the breast cancer gene, you need to start as soon as possible. Remember, catching breast cancer early will give you a much better chance to survive.

Other Breast Conditions

"Reducing these risks and detecting cancer early are by far the best methods for breast cancer prevention."

If you've had breast cancer before, sadly, you are more likely to develop it again. In addition, if you've ever had radiation to your chest or breasts, this is also a risk. Any previous breast conditions could mean breast cancer is a greater danger in your future.

Take note of these risks. Let your doctor know if you notice any changes in how your breasts look or feel. Don't forget to check the underarm area-that's breast tissue, too!

Hormones

Estrogen, a hormone, can sometimes lead to breast cancer. Taking estrogen supplements can increase this risk. You'll need to weigh your risk of breast cancer against the risks of an estrogen drop, which happens naturally after menopause.

Lifestyle Factors

Breast cancer prevention is also tied to the way you live. What you eat and how you spend your day could affect your breast cancer risk.

Some factors that might increase your risk include:

• Eating high-fat foods (excluding foods with omega-3 fatty acids, like fatty fish)
• Eating overcooked meats
• Smoking/drinking
• Lack of exercise

These issues can all be addressed by eating healthy, avoiding habits like smoking and excessive drinking, and staying fit. Doing this will help prevent against much more than just breast cancer-but it does not guarantee immunity to the disease.

Reducing these risks and detecting cancer early are by far the best methods for breast cancer prevention. Avoiding cancer entirely is the best way to beat the disease.

Written and edited by Natalie Thomas
7/28/09