Prevention

Transcript

There are lifestyle changes you can do for breast cancer prevention. For women with an average risk of breast cancer, discuss with your doctor about when to begin breast cancer screening with clinical breast exams and mammograms. Maintaining a healthy weight may reduce the risk of breast cancer. And other lifestyle changes to adhere to a healthy diet, such as to increase plant-based foods and include healthy fats. Limiting alcohol intake may also reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Other changes to limit the use of hormone replacement therapy for women with increased risk of developing breast cancer, they might consider having prophylactic mastectomy, which may significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer. Preventive medicines, such as selective estrogen receptor modulators and aromatase inhibitors, may reduce the risk of breast cancer in women with an increased risk.

Mammograms can detect breast cancer at an early stage, usually months or years before the breast cancer can be detected on a physical exam. Breast self exams and women who also undergo screening mammograms have not been shown to help detect breast cancer early. Even so, it is important for women to know how their breasts normally look and feel, and they should discuss with their healthcare provider regarding any changes of their breasts.

Key Takeaways

1. Talk to your doctor about when to begin annual breast exams and mammograms.

2. Maintaining a healthy weight and diet may reduce the risk of breast cancer.

3. Women with increased risk might consider having a prophylactic mastectomy.

4. Preventive medicines like selective estrogen receptor modulators and aromatase inhibitors may reduce risk.

5. Mammograms can detect breast cancer at an early stage, usually months or years before the breast cancer can be detected on physical exam.