We are still learning about the causes of breast cancer. It may not be possible to prevent it completely.
You cannot reduce your risk of cancer completely. But lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of cancer in general.
If you have a higher risk of developing breast cancer, there are treatments available to reduce your risk.
Diet and lifestyle
To reduce your risk of breast cancer:
- eat a healthy, balanced diet
- be physically active
- get help to quit smoking
- limit how much alcohol you drink
- keep a healthy weight after menopause
Keeping a healthy body weight after menopause
You can reduce your risk of breast cancer by keeping a healthy body weight after menopause.
Carrying extra weight causes your body to produce more oestrogen. This can increase your risk of breast cancer.
Breastfeeding
You may have a lower risk of developing breast cancer if you breastfeed your baby.
This may be because breastfeeding keeps your oestrogen levels stable. We are still learning about the connection between breastfeeding and breast cancer.
Treatments to reduce your risk of breast cancer
Your level of risk is determined by factors such as your age, your family's medical history and the results of genetic tests.
Treatment might be available to reduce your risk. For example, if you have a high risk of developing breast cancer because you carry a gene linked with breast cancer.
You will may be referred to a specialist genetics service or breast cancer clinic if it's thought you have a significantly increased risk of breast cancer. Healthcare professionals working at these services usually discuss treatment options with you.
The 2 main treatments are:
- surgery to remove a breast (mastectomy)
- medicine