Did you know there will be an estimated 1.9 million breast cancer diagnoses this year? You read that right — and the main risks for developing breast cancer? Being a woman and getting older.

According to the CDC, many factors over the course of a lifetime can influence your breast cancer risk. But like all cancers, education, awareness, and early intervention are integral factors in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. We’ve detailed five ways you can help lessen your risk of developing breast cancer and proactively detect any signs and symptoms.

5 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer

Do self-breast exams

To reduce your risk, ChenMed’s Dr. Hermena Cerphy suggests getting up close and personal with…yourself. “Be familiar with your body. Perform self-breast exams. This is not the main screening tool, but it can help you to be aware of changes that are happening in your body.” Dr. Cerphy suggests performing your self-breast exam around the same time every month.

Schedule mammograms

“Over the past 10 years, there have been so many advances in breast cancer awareness,” Dr. Cerphy shares. “The survival rate with early detection can be up to 90%.” Mammograms are a noninvasive breast exam that uses X-rays to produce imaging doctors use to check for abnormal areas that could be indicative of cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that women ages 45-54 should get a mammogram once a year and women over 55 once every two years. Mammograms play a key role in the early detection of breast cancer and can greatly reduce mortality rates.

Limit alcohol

That evening cocktail before dinner might feel like a real treat, but is the risk worth the reward? Research shows that even small amounts of alcohol are linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. In fact, alcohol is linked to an increased risk of several cancers, including oral cancer, pharynx, and larynx cancers, colorectal and esophageal cancers, as well as liver cancer. Alcohol is linked to increased cancer risk for several reasons: the main ingredient in alcohol, ethanol, is a carcinogen that damages DNA and inhibits cellular repair, which can make the environment rife with cancer cell growth.

Additionally, alcohol affects estrogen hormone levels, which is linked to an increase in breast cancer. Third, alcohol impairs the body’s ability to break down and absorb vital nutrients such as vitamins A, C, D, E, and folate, which all protect the body from cancer. Lastly, the empty calories in alcohol lead to weight gain, and being overweight or obese is another risk factor for cancer. Even though we hate to be the bearer of bad news, you don’t have to lose your early evening beverage. Sure, you can enjoy a glass of red wine every now and then, but mocktails are a healthier treat to try. Try a zero-calorie club soda with freshly squeezed lime or lemon, or have some tart cherry juice, which provides antioxidants and can help you sleep more restfully.

Maintain a healthy weight

Obesity is projected to affect 1 billion people globally by 2030. While there are many causes of obesity, as well as socioeconomic factors that prevent access to healthcare and affordability of healthy food, the fact remains: obesity is dangerous in children and adults and substantially increases your risk for many diseases and cancers.

For breast cancer specifically, obesity raises estrogen levels which can increase your risk. Consider opting for whole foods over processed, sugary foods and getting at least 20 minutes of movement each day. Exercise can be as simple as taking a brisk walk outdoors!

Consider your family history

When it comes to reducing your breast cancer risk, family history should not be overlooked. Unfortunately, if you have a close female relative who has had breast cancer such as your mother, daughter, or sister, your risk of developing breast cancer is significantly higher. Commit to living a healthy lifestyle and staying on top of routine screenings to reduce your risk as much as possible.

Stay on top of your wellness with IntuneHealth

IntuneHealth is a new approach to primary care for people 65+ on a Medicare Advantage plan. We specialize in caring for older adults and offer proactive, preventive primary care to keep you healthy — including walk-in visits and same-day appointments for patients — so you can spend more time living your best life. IntuneHealth doctors help you stay updated with preventive screenings and exams such as mammograms, flu shots and more.

We also offer events and programs to keep our patients healthy, active and connected, such as yoga and cooking classes. Make sure to book your one-on-one tour of your local center, or call us today at 1 (844) 646-8863!