Lifestyle changes can lower breast cancer risk Published Oct. 7, 2008 By Maj. Marina Johnston 27th Special Operations Medical Operations Squadron CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women. According to the American Cancer Society, women have a 13 percent chance of developing invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. About 182,460 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 67,770 new cases of localized breast cancer will be diagnosed this year, with about 40,480 deaths in women. There are several risk factors for breast cancers and ways to reduce your risk. What increases the risk of developing breast cancer? Some characteristics that place women at a higher risk of developing breast cancer cannot be changed such as sex, age, genetic risk factors, family/personal history of breast cancer, and being Caucasian. Women with a history of abnormal breast masses, radiation therapy to the chest area or starting menstrual cycles before 12 or menopause after 55 increase the risk of breast cancer. Women who have never had children or start having children after 30 also have a slightly higher risk. Additionally, long term use of hormone replacement therapy that contains both estrogen and progesterone increases the risk of breast cancer. There are lifestyle changes that can lower your risk of developing breast cancer. If you drink more than two alcoholic beverages a day, or if you are overweight, your risk for breast cancer can increase. So, losing weight and limiting the amount of alcohol you consume can reduce your chance of developing breast cancer. Women who breast-feed, especially if continued for one and one half to two years, have a lower risk of breast cancer. Also, exercising regularly, as little as 90 minutes of brisk walking per week, may decrease the risk by 18 percent. How is breast cancer detected? According to the American Cancer Society, women should have a breast exam done by a provider at least every three years from ages 20 to 40. After 40 women should have breast exams done every year. Yearly mammograms should be started at 40. Women with high risk of developing breast cancer should also get a yearly MRI done. Doing self exams can also be beneficial in helping women notice any changes in the way their breasts look or feel. If any changes are noted it is important to have an evaluation by a medical provider. The 27th Special Operations Medical Group is planning a walk-in breast health clinic available Oct. 23 from 1-3 p.m. at the Women's Health clinic, offering breast exams and mammogram referrals. A booth will also be set up outside of the Women's Health clinic during the month of October. If you need an appointment or have any questions, call the Women's Health clinic at 784-1042.