Ask A Doctor: How Can I Lower My Risk For Breast Cancer?

Breast Cancer image

Expert opinion from Ilya Aleksandrovskiy

M.D., MBA · 5 years of experience · USA

Many factors influence the risk of breast cancer on a large scale but unfortunately some factors cannot be altered such as senescence and family history. But we can definitely try out some ways to maintain our health that can surely lower our risk of breast cancer. Some of them are — 1) Keeping a healthy and maintained weight. 2) Exercise regularly. 3) Breastfeed your children as long as possible, preferably even after 1 year. 4) If you have a history of breast cancer in your family, go and get your BRACA1 and BRACA2 genes checked in case if there is some inherited mutation. 4) Limit alcohol intake. 5) Usage of oral contraceptive pills and birth control pills in case if you’re a smoker should be avoided.

→ Learn more about breast cancer: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.

→ See more questions and expert answers related to breast cancer.

Expert opinion from Matheus R Cerqueira

Specialist in Family and Community Medicine · 7 years of experience · Brazil

As breast cancer does not have a single cause, a series of attitudes can contribute to reducing the chances of developing the disease: having the first pregnancy before the age of 30, not using oral contraceptives, not undergoing hormone replacement therapy after menopause, reducing consumption of alcoholic beverages, maintain an adequate weight, practice physical activity regularly, stop smoking, among others.

Expert opinion from Alex T. Thomas

MD · 40 years of experience · USA

Breast cancer prevention starts with healthy habits. Keeping a healthy weight, exercising regularly, avoiding alcohol, eating proper diet can prevent breast cancer. A mastectomy can reduce the risk of breast cancer by up to 90%.

Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.