Lowering Your Risk of Getting Breast Cancer
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If you are worried about your risk of getting breast cancer due to various reasons, such as family history, you are not alone. It is a legitimate concern for some, and while it is almost impossible to prevent breast cancer completely, there are ways to manage the risks of getting it. This, however, depends on each individual. What may be applicable to one may not apply to another. For example, some management methods may be more appropriate to women of average risk, while some may be more applicable to women of high risk, and some may apply to both. Whether or not one has breast cancer or a history of breast cancer also affects what management strategies can be used. The key is to understand your risk and the available management options.
The main risk factors of getting breast cancer are being a woman and growing older. However, women with a strong family history of breast cancer or inherited gene mutations linked to breast cancer (e.g., BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes) may have a higher risk of getting breast cancer. Certain hormonal risk factors may also contribute to this risk. Those who have had past biopsies, or one or more breast cancers in the past may also have a higher risk of new breast cancers developing in the future.
For women at high risk
For women with high risk, more effective management methods generally involve more pre-emptive and preventive measures.
Genetic counseling and testing for breast cancer risk
Women with a strong family history of breast cancer (e.g. one or multiple first-order relatives with breast cancer or gene mutations) may wish to get genetic counseling and testing for breast cancer risk. Doing so will help raise awareness of possible gene mutations linked to breast cancer. See Genetic Testing to Evaluate Breast Cancer Risk. Results obtained from such testing can help determine the next course of action.
Learn more: Assessing Breast Cancer Risk Through Genetic Counseling and Testing.
Medicines
If you have a high risk of breast cancer, your doctor may prescribe medicines to help reduce those risks. For example, medicines such as tamoxifen and raloxifene block the action of estrogen in breast tissue to reduce the risk of hormone-related tumor growth. However, this method is not suitable for all women with higher-than-average risk. For example, pregnant women or those with a history of blood clots are not recommended to take such medicines. Discussing this issue with your doctor to weigh the benefits and risks of using medicines to reduce breast cancer risk is important.
Preventive surgery
Those with a very high risk of breast cancer may choose to get preventive surgery to reduce the risk greatly. Either one or both breasts may be removed during preventive surgery. For those with a high risk of ovarian cancer, your doctor may recommend the removal of ovaries or fallopian tubes which may also indirectly reduce the risk of breast cancer. Preventive surgery is a major decision that needs careful consideration with your healthcare team of doctors and genetic counselors to evaluate if the benefits outweigh the risks of these types of surgery.
Close observation and breast screenings
For those with an above-average risk of getting breast cancer, it is recommended that you become familiar with your breasts, take note of any breast changes and consult a physician about an individualized approach to breast screenings. Younger women at high risk may be recommended starting breast cancer screening at an earlier age and some may be candidates for additional breast cancer screening. Another option would be to get an additional breast cancer screening on top of the mammograms, such as a breast MRI. Cancers detected and diagnosed early may be more treatable and require fewer treatment approaches than those detected at later stages.
For women at average risk
Women at average risk are encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle and to be familiar with screening and prevention approaches.
Keeping a healthy weight
Being overweight or obese (having a body mass index of 25.0 kg/m2 and above), especially as an adult, is linked to higher risks of breast cancer after menopause. Overweight or obese women with breast cancer also have a lower 5-year survival rate as compared to leaner women with breast cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight will help to reduce the risk of breast cancer and may increase the chances of surviving breast cancer following a diagnosis.
Staying physically active
Many studies have shown that staying physically active is linked with lower risks of breast cancer after menopause. Getting enough exercise of at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous intensity each week, will help to keep the risk of breast cancer low.
Limiting alcohol intake
Consuming alcohol has been known to increase risks of breast cancer. Limiting alcohol intake or avoiding it altogether will reduce the risks of breast cancer.
Breastfeeding
While this is not applicable to all women, those who breastfeed for longer periods of time tend to have lower risks of breast cancer than those who breastfeed for shorter periods of time or did not breastfeed at all.
It's possible to take measures to lower the chances of developing breast cancer instead of leaving it entirely to fate. Reducing the risk of developing breast cancer is a concern for many, and it is understandable to feel worried. Remember that everyone's risk is unique, and taking steps to address your concerns can provide peace of mind. Seeking the guidance of a doctor can be a great first step towards gaining the reassurance and confidence needed to move forward.
