According to the American Cancer Society, about one in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during their lifetime.
However, there are some steps women of all ages can take to lower their risk of breast cancer.
Carter Capra, M.D., a medical oncologist at UAB St. Vincent’s, says it’s important to understand the factors that contribute to a higher risk and know what healthy habits can play a role in prevention and early detection.
Risk factors
“Breast cancer is not just a genetic disease. You do not have to have had a family member with breast cancer in order to develop it yourself,” Dr. Capra said. “The biggest risk factors are increasing age and being born female.”
Other risk factors include an early menarche, having your first child over the age of 30, a later menopause, prior thoracic radiation, and previous abnormal breast symptoms.
You should also be aware of your family history as women with a strong family history of breast cancer or other malignancies have an increased risk over their lifetime.
However, there are some risk factors you can control, and it’s never too early to build healthy diet and lifestyle habits.
Prevention
Dr. Capra suggests women begin creating a diet and exercise routine that can be carried out throughout their life to promote healthy habits, which can lower their risk of developing breast cancer.
“Diet and nutrition play a particularly important role in post-menopausal women as obesity in the post-menopausal state carries a stronger association with development of breast cancer,” Dr. Capra said.
Breast feeding for at least one year, keeping a healthy body weight, and limiting alcohol consumption can also help reduce risk.
Detection
Screenings are crucial for early detection. Generally, after age 40, the risk of developing breast cancer increases and mammograms becomes more useful.
Talk to your physician about breast cancer screening by age 40. If you are at higher risk due to family history or prior medical conditions, you may benefit from screening sooner.
Regardless of age, talk to your physician if you ever notice any concerning symptoms
“Know what your own body feels like,” Dr. Capra said. “Practice self-exams at the same time each month and talk with your doctor if there is ever something that seems different, such as lumps, skin changes, dimpling, swelling or redness, nipple retraction, nipple discharge, or pain.”
Schedule an appointment with a provider today to learn more about cancer care at UAB St. Vincent’s.