Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. Here are some things you should know:.

1. Know Your Risk Factors

Some risk factors for breast cancer are beyond your control. For example, women are at a higher risk if they have a family history of breast cancer or if they have inherited certain gene mutations, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2.

Other risk factors that you can control include:.

Being overweight or obese
Drinking alcohol
Not having children or having your first child after the age of 30
Using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause
Not breastfeeding

2. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for breast cancer. Fat cells produce estrogen, which can cause breast cancer cells to grow. To reduce your risk, try to maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.

3. Limit Alcohol Consumption

Drinking alcohol increases your risk of breast cancer. The more alcohol you consume, the higher your risk. To reduce your risk, limit your alcohol consumption to no more than one drink per day.

4. Have Children

Women who have children have a lower risk of developing breast cancer than women who do not have children. Additionally, the earlier a woman has her first child, the lower her risk.

If you are able to have children and want to reduce your risk of breast cancer, consider starting a family.

5. Breastfeed Your Children

Breastfeeding can also reduce your risk of breast cancer. Breastfeeding can lower your estrogen levels, which can reduce the growth of breast cancer cells. Additionally, the longer you breastfeed, the greater the protective effect.

6. Consider Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

HRT is used to manage symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. However, HRT can increase your risk of breast cancer. If you are considering HRT, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

7. Get Regular Exercise

Regular exercise can reduce your risk of breast cancer. Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower your estrogen levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.

8. Get Screened

Regular breast cancer screening can help detect breast cancer early, when it is most treatable. The American Cancer Society recommends that women at average risk of breast cancer have a mammogram every year starting at age 45.

Women at higher risk may need to start screening earlier or have additional screening tests, such as an MRI.

9. Know What is Normal for You

It is important to be familiar with how your breasts look and feel so that you can detect any changes. See your doctor if you notice any of the following:.