BOSTON—According to the American Cancer Society, about one in
eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. This
year, nearly 40,000 women in the United States will die from the
disease. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer
death for women in the United States, after lung cancer. Erica
Mayer, MD, M.P.H., is a breast cancer expert at Dana-Farber
Cancer Institute. She says there are at least five simple ways
women can reduce their risk of getting the disease: 1. Get a
mammogram It's recommended women get a mammogram starting at age
40. “Mammography screening does not prevent or cure breast
cancer, but it may detect the disease before symptoms occur,”
said Dr. Mayer. 2. Eat a healthy diet and keep your weight under
control The American Cancer Society recommends a diet rich in
vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fiber. “High-fat diets can
lead to being overweight or obese, which is a risk factor for
breast cancer,” said Dr. Mayer. There's growing evidence that
physical activity reduces