Five Ways to Prevent Breast Cancer

Consider this:

• 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime.
• According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the United States annually, along with about 56,500 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer.
• About 42,000 women's lives are expected to end due to breast cancer each year in the United States.

These numbers are significant, but breast cancer prevention is possible. Understanding your risk factors and taking proactive steps can meaningfully reduce your chances of a breast cancer diagnosis.

Breast Cancer Risk Factors

Family History

A woman's risk of breast cancer almost doubles when a close relative such as a mother, sister, or daughter has been diagnosed with it. Those with more than one first-degree relative with breast cancer have an even higher risk.

Genetic Factors

Genetic mutations, particularly in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, can significantly increase breast cancer risk. Women who carry these mutations have a lifetime breast cancer risk that is substantially higher than the general population.

Alcohol Consumption

Women who drink more than one glass of alcohol a day increase their risk of breast cancer.

Obesity

Being overweight increases the risk of breast cancer, particularly after menopause.

Ways to Prevent Breast Cancer

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Since obesity can increase the risk of breast cancer, maintaining a healthy weight can help keep breast cancer from developing. This can be achieved with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and other lifestyle changes.

2. Avoid or Carefully Evaluate Hormone Replacement Therapy

Review the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy with your healthcare provider before deciding what is best for you. There may be alternative forms of treatment that will not increase your risk of breast cancer.

3. Limit Alcohol

Decreasing the amount of alcohol consumed each day or week can significantly decrease the chances of developing breast cancer.

4. Evaluate Hormonal Birth Control

Consider discussing with your healthcare provider whether hormonal birth control increases your breast cancer risk and whether alternative options may be appropriate for your situation.

5. Exercise Regularly

Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce breast cancer risk. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week.

6. Eat a Healthy Diet

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports overall health and may help reduce breast cancer risk. Limiting processed foods and red meats is also recommended.

7. Get Regular Screenings

Mammograms do not prevent breast cancer, but they identify it early. When performed annually, mammograms are a good way to detect breast cancer as early as possible. Early detection significantly improves outcomes.

Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer Risk

Everyone, even without a family history, can benefit from understanding their genetic risk for breast cancer. Genetic testing can identify BRCA1, BRCA2, and other gene variants associated with elevated breast cancer risk, allowing you and your doctor to take proactive preventive measures.

Sequencing's whole genome sequencing reads 100% of your DNA across over 30,000 genes, including the BRCA genes and other breast cancer risk markers. Through the Partner Marketplace, you can also access specialized breast cancer risk analysis reports based on your genetic data.

Order your whole genome sequencing kit today or upload your existing DNA data for free to understand your genetic risk for breast cancer and take control of your health.