Good Morning From Dr. Weil: Preventing Breast Cancer - Lifestyle and Health

[Guest guest]

Preventing Breast Cancer - Lifestyle and Health

It was estimated that there were more than 200,000 American women

newly diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003, and there is no question

that for women, lowering the chances of breast cancer is important.

The following lifestyle changes may help prevent or decrease your

breast-cancer risk:

Get active. Regular physical activity (at least 30 minutes on most

days) has been shown to be protective against breast cancer.

Supplement wisely. Folic acid, vitamin D and antioxidants all may

help.

Reduce exposure to xenoestrogens. Chemical toxins that have estrogen-

like activity, such as common pesticides, industrial pollutants and

hormone residues in meat, poultry and dairy products, should be

limited.

Avoid exposure to radiation. Limiting the number of chest x-rays,

especially at a young age, may decrease the risk of breast cancer.

Maintain your health care. Early detection is key: in addition to

monthly self examinations, women between age 20 and 39 should have a

clinical breast exam performed by a health care professional at least

every three years; women 40 years of age or older should have annual

breast exams and mammograms.

Keep your genetics in mind. If you have close relatives with breast

cancer, you are at a higher risk. Let your doctor know your family

history, and discuss other ways you can help to prevent breast

cancer.

Find out how diet can play a role in breast cancer prevention on

DrWeil.com.