One in eight women in the U.S. alone will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, making it extremely important to take prevention seriously. Even though no breast cancer prevention method is guaranteed to keep you cancer-free, preventative care can help reduce your risk, promote early detection, and deliver more positive outcomes if breast cancer does occur.
Prevention Strategies
Early detection is critical to the successful treatment of breast cancer. All women should perform regular breast self-exams to identify any lumps or changes in the breast tissue. Our experienced medical team can offer more information about how to properly perform these exams and will conduct a physical exam of the breast tissue annually. Average risk women AGED 40 and OVER should also receive a mammogram each year for a clearer picture of the breast tissue. Newer 3-D mammograms provide a detailed view of the breast tissue, and are especially useful for women with dense breast tissue.
When it comes to the early detection of breast cancer, you are not alone. Richmond University Medical Center offers personal risk assessments to help you better understand all your risk factors and create a breast cancer prevention strategy. Our highly trained medical staff will explain your risk factors, which risks you can modify and steps you can follow to maintain good breast health.
Be Aware of Your Risk Factors
As with many cancers, there are several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing breast cancer. Having these risk factors does not mean that you will develop breast cancer, but being aware of them allows you to make lifestyle changes to reduce risk and help your physician better tailor your care. Common risk factors include:
- One or more relatives diagnosed with breast cancer, especially close relatives, such as your mother or sister
- A previous breast cancer diagnosis
- BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation
- Other gene mutations identified via genetic testing
- Ashkenazi Jewish heritage
- Higher levels of androgens and estrogen
- Dense breast tissue
- High bone density
- Age of 50 years or older
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Consuming more than two alcoholic drinks per day
If you have one or more of these risk factors, speak with your physician about how often you should receive breast cancer screenings and ways you can reduce risk.
