Women Can Do Their Share in Minimizing Breast Cancer Risks

There are some things women can do to minimize their risk for breast cancer whether they test positive for the gene or not, according to a NWI Times report.

"Women can do a few small things that will make a great deal of difference," said Dr. Mary Nicholson, medical director for the Women's Diagnostic Center and section head for breast imaging in the Community Healthcare System.

"Women can minimize their risk for all cancers, including breast cancer, by not smoking. Maintaining a healthy body weight, particularly during and after menopause is also important to breast cancer risk. Women that are overweight or obese have higher breast cancer risks," Dr. Nicholson further stated.

Dr. Sasmita Misra, breast-interventional radiologist with Franciscan St. Margaret Health told NWI Times, "women only need to begin having mammograms at age 40 as well as having clinical breast exams"

"Those who don't have a known family of risk factors only have a 12 percent risk of breast cancer," she said.

Dr. Misra also emphasized the importance of physical activity and a good diet which is known for decreasing the risk of cancer, in general.