Breast cancer can be a life-changing diagnosis. Nearly one in every eight women will be affected by the disease at some point in their lives. Thankfully, you can take action to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. During your next women's wellness exam, talk to your doctor about prevention tactics for cancer, including those on the following list. 

3 Ways to Reduce Breast Cancer Risk 

1. Manage Your Weight 

One of the best ways to stay healthy and prevent disease, including breast cancer, is to manage your weight through exercise and diet. Excess weight increases your risk for many cancers. Consuming nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, and fish helps keep weight in check.

You should also incorporate at least 30 minutes of exercise into your daily routine, even if it’s just walking around the block. A half-hour of daily exercise has been linked to reduced risk for breast cancer. In addition, regular women's wellness exams will help you keep your weight goals on track. 

2. Preventative Drug Options

Making healthy lifestyle choices is a step in the right direction to reduce breast cancer risk. For women who are at high risk for the disease, medications approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA), such as tamoxifen and anastrozole, have been shown to lower breast cancer risk, too. Talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner during your next women's wellness exam to weigh possible side effects and potential benefits from taking FDA-approved drugs.

2. Avoid Alcohol & Smoking 

Never have more than one drink per day to limit your risk. Smoking, like alcohol, is known to cause many types of cancer, including breast cancer. Quit as soon as you can, and ditch cigarettes for good to help decrease your risk.

If breast cancer has affected you or a loved one, contact Ozark Surgical Group in Mountain Home, AR. They’ve provided many families with compassionate, patient-centered surgical care since 1977. You can trust their experience and commitment. Along with breast surgery, they also offer women’s wellness exams and general surgical procedures. To make an appointment, call (870) 425-9120, or visit their website to view of list of available breast services and procedures.