Be physically active
Many studies have shown that physical inactivity is linked with increased breast cancer risk. According to the American Cancer Society, adults should get at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week. A combination of these activities spread throughout the week would be ideal.
Avoid or limit alcohol
Alcohol increases risk of breast cancer. Even drinking small amounts of alcohol has been linked with an increase in risk. It is best not to drink alcohol at all. For women who do drink, they should 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).
Limit hormone therapy
Postmenopausal hormone therapy can increase the risk of breast cancer. The risk is highest for those taking combined estrogen and progestin formulations compared to those taking estrogen-only therapy. Additionally the length of time using hormone therapy increases the risk, however, the risk begins to decrease once stopping. . Recent studies also indicate a very small risk of breast cancer for those that are using the oral contraceptive pills or have recently stopped.
Other factors
Factors such as having a baby and breastfeeding may both decrease the risk of breast cancer.
Know and explore your options
If breast cancer runs in your family, talk to your doctor about considering genetic counseling and testing. Testing will show if you have an inherited gene mutation that increases your risk of breast cancer. If genetic test results show you a gene mutation, you can consider drugs that can lower your risk or surgery.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
