Five Ways to Lower Your Risk for Breast Cancer

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Five Ways to Lower Your Risk for Breast Cancer

Five Ways to Lower Your Risk for Breast Cancer

Have you ever wondered what you could do to lower your risk of developing breast cancer? While genetics play an important role, there are also a number of lifestyle choices you can make to reduce your risk of developing the disease.

Risk Factor:  Being overweight

What You Can Do:  We all know that being overweight or obese is not good for our health—but did you know that it also increases your risk for breast cancer? Fat cells produce estrogen and excessive estrogen is linked to tumor growth. Shedding extra pounds can be chmaallenging—but it could save your life.

Risk Factor:  A sedentary lifestyle

What You Can Do: Start moving! Research shows that regular exercise (four to seven hours per week) lowers your risk of breast cancer. Sounds like the perfect excuse to hit the gym!

Risk Factor: Smoking

What You Can Do:  Quit. Now. Seriously. Smoking causes cancer. This one is a no-brainer.

Risk Factor: Exposure to environmental toxins, specifically BPA (found in plastics such as water bottles.) 

What You Can Do:  While it is impossible to avoid all environmental toxins, you can take precautions and minimize your exposure to BPA by carrying your own glass, steel, or ceramic water bottle. Also,  check for “BPA free” labels on plastic products.

Risk Factor: Excessive drinking

What You Can Do: Cut back on your alcohol consumption. Research shows women who have three  alcoholic drinks per week have a 15% higher chance of developing breast cancer than their sober counterparts.  That risk increases by 10% for each additional drink.


About Bergen Imaging Center, P.A.

Founded in 1986 by then Director of Mammography at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital, Bergen Imaging Center, P.A. was the first facility dedicated to mammography in New Jersey. We were also the first radiology practice in Bergen County to offer Digital Mammography.


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