Top 10 Breast Cancer Preventions

1. Move it! Compared to no physical activity, exercising four hours a week has been reported to decrease risk by over 40 percent.


2. Avoid having more than one drink of alcohol per day.
   
3. Be aware that taking birth control pills for five years or longer can slightly increase your risk for breast cancer.
   
4. Eat right—a low fat, high fiber diet with lots of fruits and veggies may decrease risk by 15 to 20 percent.
   
5. Weigh your risks and benefits before taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT)— recent use of combination hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been shown to increase breast cancer risk, with higher risk associated with longer use.
   
6. If you do not smoke cigarettes, do not start. If you do smoke, ask your doctor for help in quitting.
   
7. All women should become familiar with both the appearance and feel of their breasts so that they notice any changes and have a physician-performed clinical breast exam at least every three years.
   
8. Women 50 years of age and older should have yearly screening mammograms in addition to yearly clinical breast exams.
   
9. Family history? Consult your doctor about receiving annual screening mammograms starting at an early age.
   
10. Keep a healthy attitude and maintain your emotional health.