Lowering Your Risk of Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Screening

Mammography is the best screening tool for breast cancer because these screenings can identify the cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it has a chance to grow or spread. Research has shown that screening mammography improves survival. Many women have delayed mammographic screening due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is vitally important that women schedule their screening mammograms!

Education

Knowledge is power, and it is important that women are educated on key breast cancer facts. One in eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in the U.S. (excluding skin cancers), and it is the second leading cause of death among women. In 2022, an estimated 287,850 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in women.

Active Lifestyle

Any increase in physical activity during the day, such as walking, taking the stairs when possible, and avoiding prolonged sitting, is beneficial for overall health. Increasing evidence demonstrates that lifestyle factors play a role breast cancer risk. Studies also suggest that physical activity may reduce such risk, particularly in postmenopausal women. In 2020, the American Cancer Society published updated guidelines regarding the role of physical activity in cancer prevention:

• Adults should engage in 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week, or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity each week (or an equivalent combination).
• Limit sedentary behavior, such as sitting, lying down, and watching television, and other forms of screen-based entertainment.

Women Can Help Other Women

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many women postponed their mammograms, and some have not yet rescheduled. Women can help other women by reminding sisters, mothers and friends to schedule their screening mammogram. You can also offer to accompany another woman to her mammogram if she is reluctant to go alone!

Advances in Treatment

Researchers are always striving to find better ways to prevent, detect, and treat breast cancer, and to improve the quality of life and outcomes for breast cancer survivors. There have been many exciting advances in treatment over the years, and these approaches have resulted in dramatic improvements in breast cancer survival.

At Newton-Wellesley Hospital we are proud of the exceptional care that we provide for those recently diagnosed with breast cancer. All women diagnosed with breast cancer here at the hospital receive a multidisciplinary approach to care, which involves a consultation with one of our breast surgeons, a radiation oncologist, and a breast oncologist. Our team includes experts from the Mass General Cancer Center, and we have access to the latest treatments and cutting-edge clinical trials.

Risk Assessment

Women in their 30s should speak to their doctor about their personal risk factors, the role of screening mammography, and when they should start screening. Many women start screening at age 40, and some who may be at higher risk may need to start earlier. Breast MRIs are sometimes used, along with mammograms, to detect breast cancer in women who are at higher risk. At NWH, women may be seen in our Risk Management and Prevention Clinic to discuss risk factors, screening, the role of genetic testing, and lifestyle modifications.

Many factors are used to determine if a woman is at increased risk:

• Family history of breast, ovarian, tubal, or peritoneal cancer;
• Ancestry (e.g., Ashkenazi Jewish), which may be associated with certain high-risk mutations
• Known carrier of a genetic mutation associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome in themselves or a relative
• Previous breast biopsy indicating a high-risk lesion;
• Radiotherapy to the chest between age 10 and age 30.

Eat A Healthy Diet

Certain dietary factors may also reduce the risk of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that women follow a healthy eating pattern, which includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Red meat consumption should be limited. Women should try to maintain a healthy body weight, since in postmenopausal women, obesity is associated with increased risk. Alcohol consumption is also associated with increased risk.

The American Cancer Society’s most recent guidelines recommend against drinking alcohol. If a woman chooses to drink alcohol, she should limit intake to no more than one drink per day.