Breast Cancer Risk Factors
There are some risk factors for breast cancer out of your control -- age and genetics. There are some risk factors, however, that are thankfully within means of your control. While breast cancer cannot be completely prevented, there are steps you can take to significantly reduce your risk for breast cancer.
The Two Major Risk Factors
Genetic risk factors are inherited and cannot be changed because they are built into your DNA from birth. Environmental and lifestyle risk factors are avoidable risk factors that are typically under an individual’s control. These risk factors can be reduced by changing elements within your environment or making alterations to your lifestyle.
Reducing Your Environmental & Lifestyle Risk
Adopting healthy habits can help reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. You can:
- Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a risk factor for all cancer in both men and women. Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active significantly reduces your risk of developing cancer.
- Eat fruits and vegetables: Studies suggest that consistently implementing fruits and vegetables (3-5 cups daily) into your diet reduce your risk for breast cancer.
- Remain physically active: Studies show that women who are physically active have a lower risk than inactive women. Aim to move your body for at least 20 minutes each day to reduce your risk.
- Refrain from smoking: Smoking and inhaling second-hand smoke are risk factors for developing cancer, including breast cancer. Eliminate smoking and second-hand smoke to reduce your risk.
- Reduce alcohol consumption: The more alcohol you consume, the greater your risk is for developing cancer. Reduce your consumption to reduce your risk.
- Schedule your screenings: Your annual well-woman exam and mammogram screenings are vital for prevention and early detection. The earlier breast cancer is caught, the easier it is to treat. Don't procrastinate your health. Stay proactive and vigilant to reduce your risk.
At Lubbock Primary Care, we perform well-woman exams and can get you scheduled for a mammogram with an imaging center. Don't wait. Schedule your well-woman exam with your PCP at our clinic or your gynecologist. Stay informed at https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/ and share this information with your loved ones.
Lubbock Primary Care Locations
South Quaker Location: 11005 & 11007 Quaker Ave., Lubbock, TX | 806-701-4040
Southwest Milwaukee Location: 10709 Milwaukee Ave., Lubbock, TX | 806-207-3703
Central University Location: 5015 University Ave. Unit B1, Lubbock, TX | 806-797-4357
Midland Location: 1300 W Wall St., Midland, TX | 432-684-4488
Abilene Location: 6743 Memorial Dr., Abilene, TX | 325-231-4667
