6 Ways To Boost Breast Health

Statistically speaking, there’s a reason breast cancer causes so much worry.

On average, 1 out of 8 women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point during their lifetime. Incident rates are trending upward, too.

So, that leads to an obvious question: Are there ways to boost your breast health and improve your odds? The answer to that is YES. Let’s take a closer look at how with oncologists Erin Roesch, MD, and Tiffany Onger, MD.

Are your breasts healthy?

Breast cancer can reveal itself in many ways. You may notice a change in the shape of a breast, for instance. You might suddenly feel a small mass or lump. Maybe your skin looks slightly different in color or texture.

The similarity between those examples? They all represent a departure from the breasts you’ve known. One study found that 43% of breast cancer diagnoses began with individual detection.

“Don’t ignore changes,” emphasizes Dr. Onger. “They deserve your attention and a visit to your healthcare provider.”

Ways to improve breast health

There’s no one specific cause of breast cancer or a 100% way to prevent the disease. Age and genetics, for instance, are beyond our control. “We call those non-modifiable risk factors, a fancy way of saying you’re dealt the hand you’re dealt,” says Dr. Onger.

But that doesn’t mean you don’t have any control. Here are six things you can do to reduce your risk of getting breast cancer.

1. Maintain a healthy weight

Extra weight means extra risk when it comes to breast cancer.

Studies show that having obesity significantly increases breast cancer risk for people after menopause. One group of researchers found that a 20-pound weight gain during menopause raised breast cancer risk by 18%.

In addition, having obesity also increases the chances of breast cancer spreading to other areas of your body with worse outcomes, notes Dr. Roesch.

Excess weight also makes it more likely that the disease will return after treatment.

Why does this happen? Some theories revolve around how fat cells interact with hormones (such as estrogen) to fuel cancer growth. Inflammation and elevated blood sugar also may play a role.

Whatever the reason, studies show a clear connection between having obesity, having overweight and breast cancer risk. (Obesity is generally associated with a body mass index, or BMI, measurement of 30 or higher. A BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered having overweight.)

The good news? This negative effect is reversible. Trimming down and dropping body fat (particularly in your midsection) can reduce your risk of breast cancer.

2. Exercise

Getting a bit more fit may help keep you a step ahead of breast cancer. Research shows that physically active women are 25% less likely to develop breast cancer than those who are more sedentary.

Exercise offers benefits such as:

• Helping you stay at a healthy weight.
• Boosting immune system function.
• Lowering estrogen and blood sugar levels.

It doesn’t take much exercise to get results either: “Just 30 minutes of moderate activity five days a week can make a difference,” says Dr. Roesch.

A simple walk around the neighborhood can check that activity box. Ditto for doing yard work or running a vacuum around your house. Dancing gets the job done, too, if you’re more into fun than chores.

Just get moving enough to bump your heart rate about 50% to 60% higher than when you’re resting. Shoot for a “moderate-intensity activity” that’s challenging but not exhausting.

If you want to do even more … well, that may bring bigger benefits. Researchers found that breaking a sweat for 300 minutes a week (or an hour a day five days a week) led to larger decreases in body fat and breast cancer risk.

3. Eat healthy meals

Filling your plate with healthy food choices offers a nutritious and tasty defense against a host of cancers, including breast cancer. That means guiding your daily menu toward:

• Nature’s rainbow. Vibrantly colored fruits and vegetables are loaded with natural antioxidants and phytochemicals that may reduce cancer risk. Aim to “eat the rainbow” by consuming at least three different colors of fruits and veggies per day.
• Omega-3 fatty acids. Research shows that women who eat food high in omega-3 fatty acids have a reduced risk of breast cancer. So, look to eat more fish like salmon, mackerel and herring plus nuts and seeds such as walnuts, flaxseed and chia seeds.
• Grainy goodness. Eating some sort of whole-grain food at least seven times a week is associated with reduced breast cancer risk. Search out food such as oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa or whole-wheat bread.

Try to avoid overindulging on added sugars and saturated fats, which can pack on unhealthy pounds that increase cancer risk. Fast food and fried food also will do your body no favors.

“But don’t think you have to be on a strict diet that’s just juicing and kale salads,” says Dr. Onger. “It’s about practicing moderation. So, you can have some red meat if you enjoy eating that. You can have a cookie out of the oven. Just make it more limited.”

To help make healthy decisions, take some time to read nutrition labels at the grocery store. Review the calories, added sugars and saturated fats in prepackaged foods to guide your selections. Pay attention to serving size, too.

More vitamin D (maybe)

Vitamin D deficiency is a very common issue around the world — and that truth might be a factor when it comes to breast cancer risk. (There’s a reason why “might” is emphasized there.)

Plenty of studies examine a possible connection between vitamin D levels and breast cancer risk, but the findings are conflicting. Some show vitamin D may offer some protection. Others show no real benefit.

So, what should you do with that information? If you’re concerned, talk to a healthcare provider about having your vitamin D levels checked.

If your levels are low, a vitamin D supplement may be worth considering. Be careful, though: Oversight of supplements is far less stringent than medications. “You don’t always know what you’re getting,” cautions Dr. Onger.

Of course, instead of going the supplement route, you can also look to boost your vitamin D levels through diet or catching a few more rays of sunshine. (After applying sunscreen, of course).

4. Limit alcohol consumption

Alcohol isn’t healthy for you — and there’s really no way to sugarcoat that fact. “Any level of alcohol consumption increases your risk for breast cancer,” states Dr. Onger. “And the more you drink, the higher that risk.”

Studies show that breast cancer risk rises by:

• 5% for light drinkers who consume less than one alcoholic beverage per day.
• 32% for those who drink three to four glasses of alcohol per day.
• 46% for those who consume more than four servings of alcohol per day.

Researchers also found that drinking alcohol after a breast cancer diagnosis increases your risk for a recurrence. That’s particularly true as you get older or if you’re at an unhealthy-for-you weight. (Yes, that again.)

It doesn’t matter if you’re drinking red wine, light beer or a high-proof spirit either. Any type of alcohol elevates risk. (A serving of alcohol is defined as 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer or 1.5 ounces of liquor.)

Bottom line? Abstaining from alcohol is the healthiest choice you can make. But if you’re going to enjoy a drink here and there, as most adults do, it’s best to do so in moderation.

5. Don’t smoke

Puffing on cigarettes doesn’t just open the door for potential lung cancer. Evidence shows that it also increases your risk of breast cancer, particularly if you start lighting up during your school-aged years.

If you currently smoke, finding the courage to halt the habit can improve your long-term odds. Talk to a healthcare provider about starting a smoking cessation program.

6. Get regular screenings

As mentioned at the start of this article, breast cancer is all too common. Sometimes, no matter what precautions you take, it happens ­— which is why regular screening for the disease is critical.

A mammogram, or X-ray of breast tissue, is the most common test to check for early signs of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends the following screening schedule for women by age:

• Ages 40 to 44: Consider an annual breast cancer screening, particularly if you have a family history of the disease or other risk factors.
• Ages 45 to 54: Schedule an annual mammogram.
• Ages 55 and up: A mammogram every two years; those with a family history of breast cancer may want to keep testing on an annual basis.

What about breast self-exams?

The thinking on breast self-exams has changed over the years. Today, numerous organizations — including the American Cancer Society — no longer recommend regular self-exams.

The reason? Studies show that breast self-exams do not help reduce deaths from breast cancer. Additionally, self-exams often led to unnecessary biopsies while also creating loads of undo stress.

But having a familiarity with the feel and density of your breasts is important as changes could signal potential issues. (As noted, almost half of all breast cancer diagnoses begin with a personal observation.)

Bottom line? Pay attention to the look and feel of your breasts but don’t overestimate the value of a breast self-exam. It’s not a substitute for a mammogram.

Final thoughts

A healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and nutritious food can go a long way toward minimizing breast cancer risk. Know your family history and make sure to get recommended screenings, too.

Doing a breast cancer risk assessment also may help you better understand any factors in your life that increase your chances of getting breast cancer.

“There are risks in life that you can’t change, such as your age and family history, and that’s OK,” says Dr. Onger. “But know there are things you can do to lower your risk. It can make a difference.”