Lowering your risk

Lowering your risk

You can lower your risk of breast cancer by changing those risk factors that can be
changed (see the section, "What are the risk factors for breast cancer?").
Body weight, physical activity, and diet have all been linked to breast cancer, so these
might be areas where you can take action.
Both increased body weight and weight gain as an adult are linked with a higher risk of
breast cancer after menopause. Alcohol also increases risk of breast cancer. Even low
levels of alcohol intake have been linked with an increase in risk.
Many studies have shown that moderate to vigorous physical activity is linked with lower
breast cancer risk.
A diet that is rich in vegetables, fruit, poultry, fish, and low-fat dairy products has also
been linked with a lower risk of breast cancer in some studies. But it is not clear if
specific vegetables, fruits, or other foods can lower risk. Most studies have not found that
lowering fat intake has much of an effect on breast cancer risk.
At this time, the best advice about diet and activity to possibly reduce the risk of breast
cancer is to:
· Get regular, intentional physical activity.
· Reduce your lifetime weight gain by limiting your calories and getting regular
physical activity.
· Avoid or limit your alcohol intake.
For more information, see our document, American Cancer Society Guidelines on
Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention.
Women who choose to breastfeed for at least several months may also get an added
benefit of reducing their breast cancer risk.
Not using hormone therapy after menopause can help you avoid raising your risk.
It’s not clear at this time if environmental chemicals that have estrogen-like properties
(like those found in some plastic bottles or certain cosmetics and personal care products)
increase breast cancer risk. If there is an increased risk, it is likely to be very small. Still,
women who are concerned may choose to avoid products that contain these substances
when possible.