Reducing your risk of breast cancer
There is no proven method to prevent breast cancer at this point. But you can reduce your risk by making healthier lifestyle choices. Below are some recommendations.
Drink less alcohol
The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of developing breast cancer. In fact, drinking even one alcoholic drink per day increases the risk.
Read about how alcohol impacts the risk of cancer
Quit smoking
Smoking is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your overall health.
Manage your weight
Being overweight increases your risk for many diseases, including cancer. Women who gain significant weight after menopause also have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Be active
Physical activity helps manage weight and provides a whole range of other health benefits too. The more you exercise, the lower your breast cancer risk. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate to brisk exercise each day.
Have a healthy diet
When combined with physical activity, having a balanced diet can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your cancer risk.
Be breast aware
Get to know the normal look and feel of your breasts and see your doctor if you notice any unusual changes.
At BreastScreen Victoria, we only report on signs of breast cancer. We do not report on benign or non-cancerous changes, such as cysts or lumps that haven't changed since your last screening.