“Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. So, you may be wondering how to avoid breast cancer.

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, there are ways to reduce your risk.

As a breast medical oncologist, my top advice is to practice breast awareness, follow screening guidelines and tell your doctor if you have a family history of cancer.

Unmodified Risk Factors (factors we can’t control):

Sex Male or Female – Breast cancer is more common in women, although men can also get breast cancer.  At the time of diagnosis, the average age for a male breast cancer patient is 67, versus age 62 for females. The five-year survival rate for male breast cancer is slightly lower than for female breast cancer. In addition, male breast cancer is typically more advanced when it is diagnosed.

Age – Breast cancer usually develops after menopause for women.

Family History – On average, men are usually diagnosed with breast cancer between ages 60 and 70, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Breast cancer runs in families. You may be at a higher risk of breast cancer if you have a first- or second-degree blood relative who has or had breast cancer. A first-degree relative is a parent, sibling or child. A second-degree relative is a grandparent, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew or half-sibling.

Men with a parent, sibling or child with breast cancer have double the risk of breast cancer.

Gene Mutations are abnormal changes in genes. These mutations can be hereditary, which means they are passed down in families.

Race – White women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer than Black, Hispanic, and Asian women. But Black women are more likely to develop more aggressive, more advanced-stage breast cancer that is diagnosed at a young age.

Breast cancer screening methods depend on your age and risk for breast cancer.  Women at average risk for breast cancer should receive a clinical breast exam every one to three years between ages 25 and 39.  Starting at age 40, women should receive an annual mammogram in addition to their yearly clinical breast exam.”

The University of Texas / MD Anderson Cancer Center

(How to reduce your breast cancer risk | MD Anderson Cancer Center)