Are You At Risk? (4 pg)

There are many risk factors for breast cancer that you can’t control. Age is one. About 2 in 3 invasive breast cancers are found in women 55 or older. A family history of the disease and having dense breast tissue are other risk factors. But here’s some good news: a few simple lifestyle changes can reduce the risk.

Stay Active: One study from the Women’s Health Initiative found that women who walk from 1¼ to 2½ hours per week reduce their risk of breast cancer by 18%. At least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week (or some combination of the two) is recommended.

Watch How Much Alcohol You Drink: For women who have one drink a day, there is only a small increase in the risk for breast cancer compared to non-drinkers. However, when a woman has 2 to 5 drinks each day, her risk becomes 1½ times greater.