Breast Cancer

Here are some things to consider doing. Some items may not be applicable to you.


Approx. 44,000 women die of breast cancer each year

Prevention:

  • Exercise vigorously at least three times a week
    This has been shown to reduce breast cancer 40%
  • Ask your doctor if using birth control pills might reduce your risk
  • Avoid alcohol
    One study indicated a 10% increase in risk of breast cancer for every alcoholic drink you have daily

After age 35:

If you have any of the following risk factors for breast cancer:

  • Family history of breast cancer
  • Having non-cancerous breast disease
  • Prior breast cancer
  • Have especially dense breast tissue
  • Had first child after you were 30 years old
  • Ask your doctor about getting your first mammogram and getting mammograms annually for the rest of your life

After age 40:

  • Ask your doctor about getting your first mammogram and getting mammograms annually for the rest of your life

Treatment:

If you have a strong family history of breast cancer:

  • Ask your doctor about getting a genetic test to determine if you have the defective gene which causes ovarian cancer
  • Contact the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland to get referred to a qualified genetic counselor
  • Consult with a qualified genetic counselor


EXPLORE: Health

Thanks for reading!