Every year, breast cancer accounts for one in three cancer diagnoses in women, according to the American Cancer Society, making it the most common cancer for this segment, aside from skin cancer.
While there’s a one-in-eight chance that a woman will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, there are actions to take that may lower an individual’s risk. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, when people everywhere make it a priority to learn, act, and schedule their screenings. To help you get started, we’ve created a brief guide with six steps you can take this month that may benefit your breast health.
- Learn your family history. If you have first-degree relatives (that means a mother, sister or daughter) who have had breast or ovarian cancer, let your doctor know. Some genes, including the BRCA1 and BRCA2, can increase the risk for certain cancers. Your doctor can help assess your risk and make recommendations specific to you and your family’s health history.
- Quit smoking. Research has shown that women who smoke may be more likely to develop breast cancer, even after they’ve put down the pack. If you need help, talk to your doctor or visit the American Lung Association and learn how to improve your lung health today when you quit smoking or vaping.
- Downsize your drinking. Even one drink a day can increase a woman’s risk for developing several types of cancer, including breast cancer, according to MD Anderson Cancer Center. When the body breaks down alcohol, it becomes acetaldehyde, which is a substance thought to damage DNA and cause cancer. If you’re looking for an alternative to alcohol, try a mocktail, pop open a non-alcoholic beer or sip on seltzer with lemon or lime.
- Prioritize exercise. Moving more may lower your risk for breast cancer. According to the Cleveland Clinic, women who stay fit reduce their risk for breast cancer by about 25%. And for those who are diagnosed with breast cancer, exercise can lower the risk for recurrence and even improve outcomes. While the American Heart Association generally recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, research may indicate that more activity is even better when it comes to lowering your risk for cancer.
- Watch your weight. Extra pounds can translate to extra risk for a number of health conditions, including breast cancer. In fact, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research, “maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself from cancer.” If you’re struggling to maintain a healthy weight, talk to your doctor. They can share information and tools that may help.
- Schedule your screening. Screening for breast cancer can detect any changes in the breast early, when cancer is easier to treat. The U.S. Prevention Services Task Force recommends that all women should get a mammogram every other year starting from age 40 to 74. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor about what’s best for you based on your risk factors.
This year, more than 300,000 women will likely be diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. When the disease is detected earlier, treatments can be more effective. By adopting healthy habits, scheduling regular doctor appointments and staying on top of your screenings, you’re giving yourself and your health the best gift you can give.
