Breast Cancer Prevention Tips

According to Texas Oncology, Texas ranks third in the United States in estimated new cases of breast cancer. Dr. V at Texas Oncology in Tyler says prevention is key to lowering the number of women that are diagnosed. Breast cancer is the second-deadliest cancer among American women and although it's not completely prevented, women can take steps to decrease risk and/or improve early detection. Regular screenings depending on your age is important, alongside a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise. These are just a few ways to lower the numbers.

Screening

• Women should check their breasts monthly. Report any changes to a physician immediately. 
• Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam every three years. 
• Women in their 30s should discuss their breast cancer risk level with a physician to determine the most appropriate cancer screening options, including mammograms and MRI screenings. 
• Women age 40 and older should discuss individual risk factors with a physician to determine recommended timing and most appropriate screenings, including annual mammogram, annual clinical breast exam, and annual MRI screening. 
• Women age 50 and older should have a mammogram and a clinical breast exam at least every two years after discussion with her physician, and if recommended by a physician, an annual MRI screening. 

Lifestyle

• Regular exercise, limiting alcohol intake, and maintaining a healthy body weight may reduce the risk of breast cancer. 

Higher Risk

• Women with a family history of breast cancer should discuss genetic testing with their physicians. If genetic tests indicate a woman is BRCA-positive, there are a number of risk reduction strategies to discuss with her physician. 
• Women with a first degree relative who had breast cancer before age 50 should begin receiving mammograms 10 years before reaching that relative’s age at diagnosis.