What can be done to prevent breast cancer?
Rigorous scientific studies have found no diet or other similar intervention to prevent breast cancer. Studies are underway to see if certain medications can prevent the development of breast cancer in high-risk women. There is no other proven method to effectively prevent this cancer.
It is very important to detect breast cancer early, when it is much easier to cure. A healthcare provider should check the woman's breasts during routine physical exams every 2 years for women younger than 40. After the age of 40, women should have the exam on a yearly basis. According to the American Cancer Society, all women over 40 years of age should have a mammogram once a year.
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Breast self-examination (BSE) is an option for women to consider but the American Cancer Society no longer recommends monthly BSE for all women. If a woman does detect a lump or change in her breasts when performing BSE, she should contact her health care provider.
For women with an increased risk for breast cancer, there are no established guidelines for the age to start using screening mammography. This should be discussed and decided with the physician. Please note that mammography is often not as useful in women under the age of 35 with current techniques because the breast tissue is too dense to allow accurate interpretation of the X-rays.