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How to Prevent Breast Cancer: Tips for Reducing Your Risk

By Dr. Devavrat Arya in Cancer Care / Oncology , Molecular Oncology & Cancer Genetics , Musculoskeletal Oncology , Breast Cancer , Thoracic Oncology , Head & Neck Oncology

Oct 16 , 2024 | 2 min read

In India, a new breast cancer is diagnosed every 4 minutes; nearly 2,00,000 new breast cancers are diagnosed every year, and the numbers are increasing, especially in cities and younger women. These alarming numbers should prompt a focus on breast cancer prevention.

So, how can one prevent breast cancer? Let’s look at some of the risk-reduction strategies:

Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle: Poor lifestyle accounts for a significant percentage of breast cancer risk.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: More fat means more estrogen, which promotes breast cell growth. Being overweight, especially after menopause, is a proven risk factor for cancer. Achieve your ideal weight to reduce your risk. Ideal weight = Height (cms) - 100.
Exercise Regularly: It will control your weight and regulate key hormones. To have the correct exercise regimen, it is recommended that adults undertake 300 minutes of mild-to-moderate-intensity exercise per week. Even simple walking helps. Remember, some exercise is better than no exercise.
Avoid Alcohol: the benefits of alcohol for heart health are overrated, and the risk of causing cancer is understated. Even small amounts of alcohol are detrimental.
Eat Healthy: A traditional Indian diet rich in fruits, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, lean meat, and less processed food and fat reduces the risk of breast cancer. Avoid fad diets and limit daily total calorie consumption.
Hormone Replacement Therapy: Some forms are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. It’s important to consult a doctor before initiating any form of hormone replacement therapy.
Breastfeed: It reduces breast cancer risk by regulating levels of hormones and ensuring full maturation of breast cells.
Recognise Familial Risk of Breast Cancer: 10% of breast cancers are associated with DNA defects (mutations) that run in families. If there are multiple members of a family diagnosed with cancer, then testing for these mutations by a blood test is highly recommended. For those who tested positive, the increased risk of cancer can be reduced by undertaking more frequent screening tests, preventive surgeries, and preventive medicines.
Get Regular Screening: Mammograms are x-rays of both breasts. An annual mammogram is recommended above the age of 40. Mammograms can detect breast cancer early, even when there are no symptoms.
Get Adequate Sleep: Regular sleep helps maintain overall health, reduce stress, and prevent hormonal imbalances. Poor sleep and lack of nighttime sleep may increase the risk factor for breast cancer.
Avoid Smoking: Emerging data suggests smoking may increase the risk of breast cancer in younger women.
Avoiding Radiation Exposure: It’s important to limit radiation exposure through medical tests like X-rays and CT scans (unless medically recommended), as there is linkage between these and breast cancer.
Get Regular Healthcare Checkups: Above the age of 40, these help detect diseases early, including cancer.

While there is no guaranteed way of avoiding breast cancer, the above strategies significantly reduce the risk. A combination of a healthy lifestyle, regular screening at the appropriate age and seeking medical help early ensures the prevention and successful treatment of breast cancer.