Breast Cancer Q & A of the Day: Is there a way to prevent breast cancer?

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There is nothing that you can do to ensure that you absolutely do not get breast cancer. But studies indicate that there are some lifestyle choices that appear to help reduce breast cancer risk. Right now, some of the most important appear to be: eating a healthy diet that is low in animal fat and high in whole grains and fruits and vegetables (there is no data indicating that a specific diet, per se, can help reduce breast cancer risk); losing weight (if you are overweight); not gaining weight after menopause; getting regular exercise; and using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for the shortest time period necessary, it at all. 

Other things you can do to reduce your breast cancer risk.

• Take a multivitamin and make sure it includes adequate folic acid.
• Have your children before 35, if you have a choice.
• Breastfeed your children.
• Avoid unnecessary X-rays.
• Drink alcohol in moderation and make sure you take folic acid when you do drink. The recommended daily dose of folate is 400 micrograms.
• Evaluate any breast symptoms or changes that develop.
• Have mammograms when appropriate.
• Consider raloxifene if you need to take a drug to prevent bone loss postmenopausally.

If you have a family history of breast cancer or for other reasons are at high risk of gettingbreast cancer, visit our section for High-Risk Women. 

To help us learn more about breast cancer prevention, you can:

Join Army of Women to participate in studies sponsored by the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation on the normal breast. These studies are designed to help us find a way to prevent breast cancer.

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This post is courtesy of the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, dedicated to eradicating breast cancer and improving the quality of women's health through innovative research, education and advocacy.To support this important cause and donate, visit www.dslrf.org.