Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. It is estimated that one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer over the course of their lifetime.

But the good news is that there are steps women can take to lower their risk of developing breast cancer. Here are some ways women can lower their risk of breast cancer.

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer. Women who are overweight or obese after menopause have a higher risk of breast cancer than women who are of normal weight.

To maintain a healthy weight, women should exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet that is low in fat and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

2. Exercise Regularly

Physical activity can help reduce the risk of breast cancer. Women should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, every day. Exercise can also help women maintain a healthy weight.

3. Limit Alcohol Consumption

Drinking alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer. Women should limit their alcohol consumption to no more than one drink per day. This means one 12-ounce beer, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or one 1.5-ounce shot of hard liquor.

4. Don’t Smoke

Smoking is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer, especially in younger, premenopausal women. Women who smoke should quit as soon as possible.

5. Breastfeed

Women who breastfeed their babies have a lower risk of breast cancer than women who do not breastfeed. Breastfeeding may help reduce the number of menstrual cycles a woman has in her lifetime, which can help lower the risk of breast cancer.

6. Avoid Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can increase the risk of breast cancer. Women should avoid or limit the use of HRT, especially if they have a family history of breast cancer.

7. Get Regular Screenings

Regular screenings can help detect breast cancer early. Women should have a mammogram every one to two years starting at age 50.

Women who are at higher risk of breast cancer, such as those with a family history of breast cancer, should start screening at an earlier age and may need to be screened more frequently.

8. Know Your Family History

Women who have a family history of breast cancer may be at higher risk of developing the disease. Women should talk to their healthcare provider about their family history and the steps they can take to lower their risk of breast cancer.

9. Reduce Exposure to Environmental Toxins

Exposure to certain environmental toxins, such as pesticides and industrial chemicals, may increase the risk of breast cancer.

Women should try to reduce their exposure to these toxins by eating organic foods, using natural cleaning products, and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke.

10. Manage Stress

Stress can have a negative impact on overall health, including breast health. Women should find ways to manage stress, such as through meditation, yoga, or other relaxation techniques.