breast cancer preventions

1. Performing regular breast self-exams will allow you to familiarize yourself with your body and alert you when a change in your usual breast tissue is found.
2. Exercise may decrease breast cancer risk.^[56] Also avoiding alcohol and obesity. Prophylactic bilateral mastectomy may be considered in patients with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. A 2007 report concluded that women can somewhat reduce their risk by maintaining a healthy weight, drinking less alcohol, being physically active and breastfeeding their children.
3. The American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer recommend yearly mammograms starting at age 40. Also, Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a periodic health exam by a health professional, preferably every three years. After age 40, women should have a breast exam by a health professional every year.
4. Repeating the breast exam and completing a pain diary for a few consecutive menstrual cycles will also help establish whether your breast pain is cyclic or not.
5. Sometimes mastitis is unavoidable. Some women are more susceptible than others, especially those who are breastfeeding for the first time.
6. If you are younger than 40 and in a high-risk category (for example, many women in your family have breast cancer), you should ask your doctor about how early you should have your first mammogram.