5 ways to reduce your risk of breast cancer (video)

Just about everyone knows a friend or has a family member who has been affected by breast cancer. It’s one of the most common cancers in American women — 1 in 8 will be diagnosed in their lifetime.

But there is some good news.

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer death rates have declined for several decades due to improvements in early detection. That’s why mammogram screenings are so important.

“A mammogram screening is one of the best tools we have in the fight against breast cancer,” says Dr. Reema Batra, a board-certified oncologist and hematologist affiliated with Sharp Grossmont Hospital. “It won’t prevent it, but it can catch it early when it’s more treatable and the chances of being cured are higher.”

There are many risk factors that could lead to breast cancer. Some can’t be changed — age, gender or having a close blood relative who had breast cancer. But we also know there are other lifestyle risk factors we do have control over. And research continues to show that making even small, positive changes in these areas will lower the likelihood of being diagnosed.

Here are five simple tips from Dr. Batra that can help reduce your risk of breast cancer and improve your overall health.

For the news media: To talk with Dr. Reema Batra about breast cancer prevention for an upcoming story, contact Erica Carlson, senior public relations specialist, at erica.carlson@sharp.com.