Preventing Breast Cancer with Lifestyle Changes

Eighty percent of all breast cancers are fueled by a natural hormone - estrogen. Women who carry the genetic mutation for breast cancer could greatly lower their risk of developing the disease by doing some lifestyle changes which will limit their lifetime exposure to estrogen. Eating a low-fat diet and eliminating alcohol, or limiting it severely, will lower your estrogen levels. Exercise at least 5 hours a week, to lower your circulating levels of estrogen. Having a child and breastfeeding also lower your risk, and if the child is a girl, she also starts life with a reduced risk of breast cancer. Estrogen suppressor medications may soon be approved for prevention in women who are at high risk, and preventive mastectomy is considered by some to be worth while. To some of us, these are drastic changes, but if your risk is high, you may be able to combat breast cancer early by working on your lifestyle.

• Options for reducing cancer risk
• Estrogen and Your Health - The Big Picture
• Breastfeeding Helps Prevent Breast Cancer, Lowers Your Risk