Executive Health Program

Health Tips

BREAST CANCER: BEATING THE ODDS
Mayo Clinic Provides 10 Tips for Preventing Breast Cancer

By Robert R. Orford, M.D., C.M.
Director, Executive Health at Arizona

Breast cancer is one of the diseases women fear most. But the good news is that there's more reason for optimism now than ever before. Much of today's breast cancer research is focused on prevention.

Following are a few suggestions that may help reduce your risk:

• Ask your doctor about aspirin. May 2004 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that women taking a daily aspirin were 28 percent less likely to develop breast cancer.
• Limit alcohol. A strong link exists between alcohol and breast cancer. Limit the amount you drink to less than one drink a day or avoid it completely.
• Maintain a healthy weight. There's a clear link between obesity and breast cancer, especially if the weight gain occurred after menopause.
• Discuss long-term hormone therapy with your doctor. A Women's Health Initiative study raised concerns about the use of hormone therapy for symptoms of menopause. You may want to consider other options, especially if you're at risk.
• Stay physically active. Women who exercise for 30 minutes every day reduce their risk by 10 percent. Walking is as effective as more vigorous types of exercise.
• Eat foods high in fiber. Among its many health benefits, fiber helps reduce the amount of circulating estrogen in your body. Foods high in fiber include fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains.
• Lower the amount of fat in your diet. Several studies have reported a correlation between a high dietary fat intake and breast cancer risk.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can help protect you from cancer. Remember -- the more colorful, the better!
• Have regular breast exams. After age 40, have an annual breast exam by your health care provider.
• Schedule regular mammograms. Don't neglect this important breast cancer screening tool. Have one every year after the age of 40. While these won't prevent breast cancer, they can help detect it in its earliest stages.

Remember, with breast cancer, as with many diseases, the earlier the diagnosis, the more effective the treatment and the better the overall prognosis. And following the tips above can help you lead a healthier, cancer-free life.