You know you have a family history of breast cancer, but you can't change your genes. So what can you do? Here are specific strategies to protect your health.
Your family has breast cancer:
- Get checked. Beginning 10 years earlier than the age your youngest family member was diagnosed, get clinical breast exams every six months and mammograms and/or MRIs annually—at least. Your doctor may decide, based on your history, to perform them more frequently.
- Consider testing. Talk to your doctor about genetic testing, which could predict your chances of developing breast cancer—and inform your treatment options.
- Avoid alcohol. Just one to two drinks a day can raise your risk by 10 percent.
- If you can, plan children early. “Having children before 30 and breastfeeding them for at least 12 months offers long-term protective benefits to women predisposed to breast cancer,” says Colby.
- Maintain a healthy weight. The higher your BMI, the higher your chances of getting breast cancer.
- Eat well. Skip processed and red meat and pile on vegetables, whole grains, fish and legumes instead.
- Stay active. Cut your breast cancer risk by 20 percent by exercising moderately most days of the week.
For more information on family history and your health, see:
Will You Inherit Your Family’s Health?
How to Record Your Family’s Health History
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In Your Genes: Diabetes
In Your Genes: Heart Disease