Is Breast Cancer Prevention Possible?

Although there is no magic pill or secret herb that can help in the prevention of breast cancer, there ARE some things that YOU can do that promote prevention with regards to your risk factors. These include:

• Know your family history

If you have a first-degree relative (mother, daughter, sister) that has been diagnosed with breast cancer, you have a higher risk of developing breast cancer yourself. Talk to your family and learn about the diseases that some of them may have and learn what they have had in the past. Be sure to get the specific details like the age of diagnosis and how they were treated. Share this information with your doctor to help customize a preventative plan for you

• Know Your Breasts

No breast is the same as another breast. You are the only person that knows what 'normal' feels and looks like in your breast. Look at them frequently and check them often for lumps and other changes. Click here to learn more about Breast Self-Exams. Also, know your own breast history. Information such as abnormal mammograms and breast biopsies can be very important to your doctor.

• Limit your hormone usage

It is very common for a woman to be given hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat some of the extreme symptoms that come along with menopause. One of the common hormones that are used is Estrogen. Clinical trials have now revealed that the increase in estrogen exposure can now be linked with the increased risk for breast cancer to develop. It is very important to speak with your doctor to decide if the possible risks outweigh the possible benefits of using HRT. It is also strongly advised to use all hormones at the lowest possible dose for the lowest possible duration.

• Stay Healthy

There is research that supports that a healthy lifestyle helps to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. The chance of getting breast cancer increases if a woman becomes obese or overweight after reaching menopause. Living an active lifestyle can help a woman maintain an ideal weight and possibly help with breast cancer prevention. Studies also show that the chances of a woman developing breast cancer increase with the amount of alcohol that a woman drinks.

Prevention with Early Detection

Because there is not a definite prevention method for breast cancer, it is important to follow some important guidelines to ensure that your breast is being checked for the occurrence of breast cancer often. There are the most common and effective methods of early detection for breast cancer:

• Screening mammograms

A screening mammogram is a set of 4-6 x-rays that are taken of your breast. It is recommended that a woman starts getting yearly screening mammograms starting around age 35-40; speak to your doctor about when you need to start getting yearly screening mammograms. After these images are taken, a radiologist will read these pictures and let you know if there is anything that seems abnormal on your mammogram. If you have an abnormal mammogram, the radiologist may recommend that you have more x-rays taken of a specific area and possibly an ultrasound. If findings persist, a breast biopsy may be recommended.

Many women find that screening mammograms are uncomfortable and embarrassing. Financial concerns for screening mammography are very common. There are many programs in place to help women get free or discounted mammograms. To learn more about your available options, contact your local County Health Department.

• Clinical Breast Exams (CBE)

A clinical breast exam is done by your doctor. It is recommended that a woman starts getting a yearly CBE starting at age 20. Speak to your doctor about when you need to start getting your CBEs and how often you need to get them. Because your doctor will not remember from year-to-year which of your lumps are new or old, do not just rely on your doctor to find worrisome breast lumps.


• Breast Self-Exams (BSE)

Breast Self-Exams are performed by you! It is recommended that women start performing BSEs at age 20. It is best to perform a BSE about 7 days after the first day of your menstrual period. This will allow any extra swelling and tenderness related to your hormonal cycle to not interfere.

Many women are intimidated to do a BSE because they have so much 'lumpiness' in their breast. Do not let this stop you from trying. It is very important to determine any subtle changes in your tissue so your familiarity with your breast tissue will be extremely important to determine which lumps are 'new'.