Effective Ways to Prevent Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Prevention for All Women

Most cancer cases result from environmental factors and lifestyle choices. However, modifying certain risk factors may help reduce the likelihood of developing breast cancer.^[1] Below are preventive measures applicable to all women:

Diet and Lifestyle

General recommendations apply to all women and emphasize maintaining a balanced, healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity to prevent various health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and different forms of cancer. Regarding the link between breast cancer and diet, benefits may include avoiding alcohol, limiting saturated fat intake, eating nutritious foods, and maintaining a healthy weight. Despite extensive research, no specific diet or food has been proven to completely prevent breast cancer.^[2][3]

However, certain foods play an important role in strengthening the body's immune system, improving overall health, and minimizing cancer risk. These include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes. A varied diet ensures the body receives essential nutrients, enhances physical and mental well-being, and provides necessary energy. Additionally, consuming produce not exposed to pesticides may help prevent cellular changes in the body. Special attention should be given to women during menopause, as obesity and weight gain at this stage can increase estrogen production, which in turn raises the risk of certain types of breast cancer.^[2][3]

It is also important to quit smoking whenever possible, as evidence suggests a link between smoking and increased breast cancer risk, particularly in pre-menopausal women. Regular physical activity—moderate or vigorous—can also lower the risk of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week, or a combination of both, ideally spread throughout the week.^[4][5]

Reducing Breast Tissue Exposure to Naturally Produced Estrogen

Lowering the duration of breast tissue exposure to estrogen may help prevent breast cancer. Several approaches can reduce this exposure:^[6]

• Exclusive breastfeeding: Women who breastfeed have a lower risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who do not. This is because estrogen levels in a woman’s body are lower during breastfeeding.
• Early pregnancy: Estrogen levels are reduced during pregnancy. Women who complete their first full-term pregnancy before age 20 have a lower risk of breast cancer than those without children or those who have their first child after age 35.

Limiting Dose and Duration of Hormone Therapy

Using combined hormone therapy for more than three to five years increases the risk of breast cancer. Therefore, consulting a doctor to explore alternative options is crucial, especially when hormone therapy is used to manage menopausal symptoms. Non-hormonal medications and other treatments may effectively relieve symptoms and eliminate the need for hormone therapy. If short-term benefits outweigh the risks, women should use the lowest effective dose and remain under medical supervision throughout treatment.^[5]

Avoiding Birth Control Pills

Women who smoke or are over 35 should avoid oral contraceptives, as these increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially among smokers. Additionally, birth control pills slightly increase the risk of breast cancer, though this risk diminishes quickly after stopping them. For women with significant concerns about breast cancer, avoiding oral contraceptives may help reduce risk. It's worth noting that younger women face a lower risk from birth control pills compared to older women. While there are risks, birth control pills also offer benefits, including a reduced long-term risk of colon cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer.

Early Detection of Breast Cancer

Women should consult their doctor to determine the appropriate time to begin breast cancer screening tests, such as clinical breast exams and mammograms, and decide on the best screening strategy for their individual case. It is important to discuss the benefits and risks of each method with a healthcare provider. Women are encouraged to perform periodic self-breast exams and promptly report any unusual changes to a specialist. Any abnormal signs—such as lumps or changes in the breast—should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.^[7]

Mammography is effective and potentially life-saving. While it does not prevent cancer, it enables early detection, when the disease is most treatable. Most women can begin regular mammograms at age 40, but recommendations vary based on individual risk and age:

• Ages 40–44: Annual mammograms may be considered. Discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor.
• Ages 45–54: Annual mammograms are recommended.
• Ages 55 and older: Mammograms every two years are recommended, though annual screening remains an option.

Breast Cancer Prevention for High-Risk Women

Breast cancer risk is assessed using several factors, including family medical history, age, and genetic testing results. Individuals concerned about elevated risk should consider consulting a genetic counselor. Detecting BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, or having a strong family history of breast cancer, indicates higher risk. In such cases, more intensive preventive measures may be discussed with healthcare professionals.^[2][8]

Intensive Monitoring

High-risk women are advised to visit their doctor every 6 to 12 months for screenings. Even without surgery or medication, close monitoring helps detect cancer early, improving treatment outcomes. This may involve starting mammograms at an earlier age and adding breast MRI scans. Ongoing risk assessment through regular checkups every 6 to 12 months is also recommended.^[4]

Chemoprevention

Chemoprevention involves medications that reduce breast cancer risk in high-risk women by blocking estrogen’s effects. Raloxifene and Tamoxifen are approved for specific groups: Raloxifene is used in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or those at increased risk of breast cancer; Tamoxifen reduces risk in both pre- and postmenopausal high-risk women. Aromatase inhibitors are another option for postmenopausal women. Before starting any of these drugs, it is essential to fully understand their potential side effects and benefits.^[8][4]

Preventive Mastectomy

Preventive mastectomy aims to remove all breast tissue that could potentially become cancerous. According to the National Cancer Institute, this procedure is limited to women at very high risk. Psychological counseling is strongly recommended before surgery to address emotional and mental health impacts. This option may be considered in cases involving one or more of the following risk factors:^[9]

• Strong family history of breast cancer.
• Presence of BRCA gene mutations or other specific genetic alterations.
• Personal history of lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) combined with a family history of breast cancer.
• Prior cancer in one breast with high risk of developing cancer in the other.
• Previous chest radiation exposure before age 30.

Preventive Oophorectomy

Carrying BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations increases the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. Since the ovaries produce estrogen, which influences the development of both cancers, preventive oophorectomy (removal of ovaries) may be considered for high-risk women. This is a personal and complex decision requiring careful evaluation of benefits versus consequences, including potential infertility and ongoing cancer risk. Removing both ovaries before menopause may necessitate hormone replacement therapy, which carries its own risks.^[8]

Podcast: Prevention After Breast Cancer Recovery

Recovery from cancer is not the end—it marks the beginning of a new chapter that requires awareness and support.

In this episode of Leaders Meeting, in collaboration with Novartis, we discuss challenges faced by breast cancer survivors,

with Dr. Fathi Al-Zaribi and Dr. Hussam Maraschi, exploring ways to overcome these challenges through medical follow-up, psychological support, and social care.

#BeyondOctober

References

1. ↑ Preetha Anand, Ajaikumar B. Kunnumakara, Chitra Sundaram, Kuzhuvelil B. Harikumar, Sheeja T. Tharakan, Oiki S. Lai, Bokyung Sung, and Bharat B. Aggarwal (1-9-2008), "Cancer is a Preventable Disease that Requires Major Lifestyle Changes", ncbi, Retrieved 3-3-2020. Edited.
2. ^ ^{A B T} "Prevention -Breast cancer in women", nhs, Retrieved 3-3-2020. Edited.
3. ^ ^{A B} "Eating Unhealthy Food", breastcancer, Retrieved 3-3-2020. Edited.
4. ^ ^{A B T} "Can I Lower My Risk of Breast Cancer?", cancer, Retrieved 3-3-2020. Edited.
5. ^ ^{A B} "Breast cancer prevention: How to reduce your risk", mayoclinic, Retrieved 3-3-2020. Edited.
6. ↑ "Breast Cancer Prevention (PDQ®)–Patient Version", www.cancer.gov, Retrieved 19-3-2020. Edited.
7. ↑ "Breast cancer", drugs, Retrieved 3-3-2020. Edited.
8. ^ ^{A B T} "BREAST CANCER SCREENING AND PREVENTION", texasoncology, Retrieved 3-3-2020. Edited.
9. ↑ "Breast Cancer and Preventive Mastectomy", webmd, Retrieved 3-3-2020. Edited.