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Breast Cancer Prevention Tips

  • Category: Blog
  • Posted On:
  • Written By: Antelope Valley Medical Center
Breast Cancer Prevention Tips

Reducing Your Risks of Breast Cancer

It may be your mother, your sister, a coworker or a close friend — unfortunately, many of us know someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. As women age, it’s increasingly important to manage their risks of breast cancer. Here are some tips to help you take control of your health through lifestyle adjustments and preventive scans.

Statistics & Risk Factors

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer death in women. In 2022, an estimated 287,850 new breast cancer cases will be diagnosed in women in the United States. Breast cancer rates in the U.S. are highest among white women, followed by black women. Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander women have the lowest breast cancer rates.

There are several breast cancer risk factors that you cannot change, such as your age, family history, and genetics. However, there are also lifestyle choices that can affect your breast cancer risk, such as:

  • Drinking alcohol
  • Not having children
  • Not breastfeeding
  • Menopausal hormone therapy
  • Breast implants

By leading a healthy lifestyle and following the tips below, you can manage your risks of breast cancer and seek an early diagnosis.

Prevention & Early Diagnosis

Death rates from breast cancer have been declining since 1989, with more significant decreases in women younger than 50. These decreases are thought to result from treatment advances, earlier detection, and increased awareness. You can lower your risk of breast cancer by making healthy choices like:

In addition to these lifestyle changes, you should also get regular breast cancer screenings. Breast cancer screenings can help find breast cancer early when it is most treatable. There are a few different forms of breast cancer screenings:

  • Mammograms
  • Breast ultrasound
  • Breast MRI

How Often Do I Need a Mammogram?

The American Cancer Society recommends that women with an average risk of breast cancer should get yearly mammograms at age 45. They also suggest that women aged 55 and older switch to mammograms every other year. However, some organizations, such as the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force, recommend that women of average breast cancer risk start getting mammograms at age 50.

Ultimately, the decision of when to start getting mammograms and how often to get them should be made between you and your doctor. You may also need breast MRI screenings and a mammogram if you are at high risk.

infographic explaining breast cancer risks and prevention

Breast Cancer Screenings at Antelope Valley Outpatient Imaging Center

At Antelope Valley Medical Center, our Antelope Valley Outpatient Imaging Center offers MRIs, 3D mammograms, and other diagnostic testing for our community. If you haven’t scheduled your annual mammogram, contact our team today to make your appointment:

Main Telephone: (661) 726-6050

Scheduling Telephone: (661) 726-6700

Scheduling Fax: (661) 949-5759