A significant amount of focus and research is concentrated on the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer. U.S. dollars spent on breast cancer research near 4 billion. However, we still are unsure of the exact causes and don’t have definitive ways to prevent it. Of course, there are some risk factors that cannot be modified: being a woman, getting older and having a family history of the disease. But there are some things that can be done to lower breast cancer and other disease risks.

First, get enough exercise and maintain a healthy body weight.  Scientifically, body weight is measured by Body Mass Index (BMI). A healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. BMI less than 25 has been shown to prolong survival and reduce chance of cancer recurrence in women already having breast cancer.

Lowering BMI can be achieved through diet and exercise. A varied diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables and limited fried foods/fatty meats goes a long way.  Fruits and vegetables also contain cancer fighting compounds. The cruciferous family, like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage are a few examples. Other potent anti-cancer foods are tomatoes, berries, citrus, garlic, and dark-green, leafy vegetables like kale, collards, and spinach. Exercise is equally important. Studies have shown moderate exercise for 45 minutes four to five times per week lowers breast cancer risk.

Limiting alcohol intake is another proactive measure. Data shows women who drank a half glass of wine per day were six percent more likely to develop breast cancer. Those drinking one to two glasses per day were 21 percent more likely, and those drinking two glasses per day were 37 percent more likely.

Recently, low vitamin D levels have been linked to increased breast cancer risk.  Commercial tests are available to determine one’s vitamin D level.  If it is low, getting sun and taking vitamin D supplements can help. About 15 minutes of sunlight exposure several times per week is thought to be helpful, but overdoing exposure and getting sunburned increases risk for skin cancer.

It is paramount to remind women early detection of breast cancer is important. Regular self breast examinations, clinical examinations by a healthcare provider and screening mammography are foundational behaviors for good breast health.  In fact, screening mammography can reduce breast cancer death rates up to 20 percent. We are living in exciting times as it relates to new and innovative treatments for breast cancer, which gives many women hope and prolongs lives.

Susan Hoover, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a breast surgical oncologist, board certified by the American Board of Surgery.  She completed general surgery residency at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas. Her fellowship training was in breast surgical oncology through Susan G. Komen for the Cure Fellowship of Breast Oncology at The University of Texas Southern Medical Center at Dallas. She strives to provide multidisciplinary care to her breast patients as well as the latest in minimally invasive surgical techniques.