How to Manage Breast Cancer Risk

How to Manage Breast Cancer Risk

While you can’t always prevent breast cancer, your Northwestern Medicine care team can equip you with the tools, expertise and support to help you better understand, manage and lower your risk. Our goal is to provide the most personalized, advanced breast care in the region.

How to Manage Average Breast Cancer Risk

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. If you have an average risk of developing breast cancer, you can maintain best breast health if you:

• Follow regular breast cancer screening guidelines per the discretion of your physician and the American Cancer Society.
• Maintain a healthy weight by eating a nutritious, mainly plant-based diet , and exercising. The American Heart Association suggests 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Talk to your physician about what lifestyle modifications are right for you.
• Reduce your alcohol consumption to three or four drinks per week on average.

How to Manage High Breast Cancer Risk

The American Cancer Society recommends that women who are at high risk for breast cancer receive a breast MRI in addition to a mammogram. Ask your physician if this would be useful for you. This is only the first phase of care offered at Northwestern Medicine for people at high risk of breast cancer.

Our experts will work alongside you to help you manage your breast cancer risk. Together, you will develop a plan tailored to your unique family and health history, lifestyle and preferences.