How to Defend Yourself Against Breast Cancer

While it is impossible to predict with certainty who will get the breast cancer and who won't, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk and defend yourself. By maintaining a lifestyle designed to optimize your breast health, getting regular breast health screenings, and assessing your risk level, you can defend yourself against breast cancer.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Taking Care of Yourself

Studies show that significant alcohol intake can contribute to the development of breast cancer. Try to limit your alcohol intake to no more than one alcoholic drink per day.^{[1]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
The carcinogenic properties of tobacco have been linked to a variety of different cancers, including breast cancer. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about the best way to reduce or eliminate your tobacco use.^{[2]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
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Maintain a healthy diet. There is some evidence that your diet can affect your risk for breast cancer and other types of cancer.^{[3]XExpert SourceJoshua Ellenhorn, MD
Board Certified General Surgeon & Surgical OncologistExpert Interview. 28 April 2020.} The Mediterranean Diet may be particularly helpful for reducing your risk of getting breast cancer. A good diet can also help you maintain a healthy weight, which is an important factor in breast cancer prevention.^{[4]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- The Mediterranean Diet is recommended by the Mayo Clinic for breast and heart health. This diet focuses on plant based nutrition (fruits, vegetables, mixed nuts, and legumes), use of healthy fats (olive oil, canola oil), and a reduced intake of salt and red meat.^{[5]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
Not only is exercise good for your body, but it helps you to maintain a healthy weight.^{[6]XExpert SourceJoshua Ellenhorn, MD
Board Certified General Surgeon & Surgical OncologistExpert Interview. 28 April 2020.} Studies show that people who are physically active are less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer. Try to exercise at least four hours a week.^{[7]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
Avoid radiation-based medical imaging techniques, like X-rays, CT scans, or PET scans, unless you and your doctor feel that they are medically necessary. Exposure to radiation can put you at risk for breast cancer and other types of cancer.^{[8]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
Long-term exposure to hormones in hormone replacement therapy or hormonal birth control has been linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer. If you are taking or considering birth control pills or other forms of hormone-based therapy, talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits. Discuss how you can limit or reduce the dose and duration of your therapy in order to minimize the risk of developing breast cancer.^{[9]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
Not all mothers are able to breastfeed, but if it works for you and your child, breastfeeding can be beneficial to your breast health. Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.^{[10]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Monitoring Your Breasts

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Perform a self-examination at least once a month. Regular breast self-examinations are not a reliable way to detect early signs of breast cancer. However, they are still a useful tool for understanding the normal condition of your breasts, and in some cases can help you detect changes that may be linked to breast cancer or other conditions.^{[11]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Ask your doctor to demonstrate the proper way to conduct a breast exam, and what to look and feel for during the exam.
- To perform the exam, hold your right arm above your head and gently feel your right breast and nipple area with your left hand. Move around your breast in a circular pattern with your fingers. Feel for any lumps or tissue that seems irregular compared to the rest of your breast tissue. Repeat the process and examine your left breast.
Look for bulges, lopsidedness, or any dimpling that may occur when you raise your arm above your head.
If you menstruate, be aware of normal changes in your breasts that are related to your menstrual cycle. Try to perform your regular breast exams at a time when your breasts are not tender or enlarged due to menstruation or pre-menstrual symptoms.
If you notice any changes or symptoms that you find worrisome, contact your doctor, even if you aren’t due for your regular exam.
During your regular check-up, your doctor will perform a breast examination, during which they will check for breast tissue irregularities. If you have noticed any lumps or bumps, let your doctor know.
6
Get a mammogram regularly. In general, doctors recommend regular (yearly) mammograms for women 40 years of age and older.^{[12]XExpert SourceJoshua Ellenhorn, MD
Board Certified General Surgeon & Surgical OncologistExpert Interview. 28 April 2020.} Early detection is possible through mammograms and can assist in the diagnosis of breast cancer sooner in order to start effective treatment.^{[13]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Cancer SocietyNonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and supportGo to source}
- Women at high risk for developing breast cancer may need to start getting mammograms at a younger age.
- Depending on your lifestyle and family history, your doctor may recommend a mammogram annually or at some other interval.
- Sometimes, a followup ultrasound may be required to determine if any abnormalities are cancerous or simply benign cysts, which are common.^{[14]XExpert SourceJoshua Ellenhorn, MD
  Board Certified General Surgeon & Surgical OncologistExpert Interview. 28 April 2020.}
- Since men rarely develop breast cancer, doctors do not typically recommend mammograms for men. However, if you are a man experiencing possible breast cancer symptoms, such as a lump in your breast, your doctor may wish to perform a mammogram as part of your diagnostic exam.^{[15]XResearch source}
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Assessing Your Risk

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Look at your family history. Some people have a genetic predisposition for breast cancer. If there is a history of breast cancer in your family, you may be at risk. Look at the history of both sides of your family (mother’s and father’s), since the genetic predisposition for breast cancer can come from either side.^{[16]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
- The same genes that are linked to breast cancer are also linked to other kinds of cancer. Make note of any history of ovarian, pancreatic, or high grade prostate cancer in your family.
- Let your doctor know if there is a history of any of these types of cancer in your family.
Mutations to these genes can make you extra susceptible to breast cancer and certain other types of cancer. It is especially important to test for these mutations if there is a history of breast and ovarian cancer in your family.^{[17]XTrustworthy SourceNational Cancer InstituteAn agency in the National Institutes of Health focused on cancer research and patient supportGo to source}
3
Look at your personal health history. Aside from genetic predisposition, there are other factors that could be related to your personal risk for breast cancer. Talk to your doctor if you have any of the following risk factors:^{[18]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
- Age: Women over 50 are more likely to develop breast cancer.
- Dense breasts: Women with breasts that are “dense” or high in connective tissue (as opposed to fatty tissue) have an elevated risk of developing breast cancer.
- Early menstruation: If you began menstruating at the age of 12 or younger, you may be at slightly higher risk for developing breast cancer.
- No pregnancy, or pregnancy late in life: If you have never been pregnant, or became pregnant for the first time after the age of 30, you may have a slightly increased risk for breast cancer.
- A previous history of breast cancer or non-cancerous breast diseases.
4
Look at your history of medical treatments and medications. Some medical procedures and medications can also increase your risk of developing breast cancer. Talk to your physician if you have used any of these medicines or undergone any of these medical procedures:^{[19]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
- Hormone therapy (e.g. hormone replacement therapy after menopause) or hormonal contraceptives (e.g. birth control pills).
- Radiation therapy for other cancers of the chest and breasts.
- The drug diethylstilbestrol (DES), a drug that was sometimes administered to pregnant women between 1940 and 1971.
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Warnings

Men can get breast cancer, too. If you are a man with a history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic, or prostate cancer in your family, talk to your doctor about whether you might be at risk.
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