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About Breast Cancer > Early Detection > Healthy Habits

  • What is Breast Cancer?
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    • Myth: Breast cancer is contagious
    • Myth: If the gene mutation BRCA1 or BRCA2 is detected in your DNA, you will definitely develop breast cancer
    • Myth: Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer
    • Myth: A breast injury can cause breast cancer
    • Myth: Breast cancer is more common in women with bigger breasts
    • Myth: Breast cancer only affects middle-aged or older women
    • Myth: Breast pain is a definite sign of breast cancer
    • Myth: Consuming sugar causes breast cancer
    • Myth: Carrying a phone in your bra can cause breast cancer
    • Myth: All breast cancers are the same
    • Myth: Bras with underwire can cause breast cancer
  • FAQs
    • Can physical activity reduce the risk of breast cancer?
    • Can a healthy diet help to prevent breast cancer?
    • Does smoking cause breast cancer?
    • Can drinking alcohol increase the risk of breast cancer?
    • Is there a link between oral contraceptives and breast cancer?
    • Is there a link between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and breast cancer?
    • How often should I do a breast self exam (BSE)?
    • Does a family history of breast cancer put someone at a higher risk?
    • Are mammograms painful?
    • How does menstrual and reproductive history affect breast cancer risks?
    • How often should I go to my doctor for a check-up?
    • What kind of impact does stress have on breast cancer?
    • What celebrities have or have had breast cancer?
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    • Is dairy (milk) linked to a higher risk of breast cancer?
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Healthy Habits

Breast Cancer Risk Factors

When it comes to breast cancer, there are some risk factors that you can’t control, such as your age and genetics. But there are other risk factors that are in your power to control. Although breast cancer cannot be completely prevented, taking control of these risk factors and adopting healthy habits can help reduce your risk for breast cancer.

What Can I Do To Reduce My Risk Of Breast Cancer?

Adopting healthy habits can help reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. You can:

  • Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a risk factor for developing cancer in both men and women. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce your risk of obesity and of developing cancer.
  • Eat fruits and vegetables: Eating 3.5 to 5 cups of fruits and vegetables daily has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
  • Stay physically active: Studies have shown that women who are physically active have a lower risk of breast cancer than inactive women. Try to move your body at least 20 minutes every day to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.
  • Do not smoke: Smoking and even breathing second-hand smoke is a risk factor for developing many types of cancer, including breast cancer. Eliminate smoking and second-hand smoke from your lifestyle to reduce this risk.
  • Limit alcohol consumption: Frequent consumption of alcohol can increase your risk for breast cancer. The more alcohol you consume, the greater your risk.
  • Schedule your screenings: Staying proactive about your health through receiving regular health screenings, such as mammograms, well-woman exams, and other screenings as recommended by your doctor, can help identify health problems in their early stages when they are easier to treat.

Medically reviewed June 2023

Free Healthy Living Resources

It is important to be proactive about your health—and we want to make it easier. Get our free healthy living resources to help you protect your overall health and assess your breast cancer risk.

Get the Healthy Living & Personal Risk Guide Get Weekly Health Tips

Medically reviewed June 2023


Related reading:

  • Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms
  • Breast Lump
  • Breast Pain
  • Breast Cyst
  • Breast Self-Exam
Diagnostic Mammogram
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