Lower Your Risk for Breast Cancer

While there is no "magic bullet" in terms of preventing breast cancer, the following recommendations may help you to lessen your risk:

• Don't smoke
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Eat a balanced diet
• Know your breasts so you can spot irregularities, like a lump or change in shape, size or texture
• Conduct regular breast self-exams in front of the mirror, in the shower or lying down
• Have a yearly breast exam by a qualified physician, usually a gynecologist
• Begin mammogram screenings at age 40
• Learn your risk factor – women at high risk should discuss their options with their physicians