From an interview with
Dr. Jason Davis
McLeod Surgery Cheraw

According to a 2017 American Cancer Society (ACS) study, nearly 42 percent of cancer diagnoses and 45 percent of deaths in the US are linked to controllable risk factors for cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women after skin cancer. Being female and having a family history of breast cancer are two risk factors that you aren’t able to change. However, there are definitely risk factors that you often can change. 

To lower your risk, you should: 

• Breastfeed if you’re able. Breast-feeding might play a role in breast cancer prevention. The longer you breast-feed, the greater the protective effect. 
• Limit postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy after menopause. Combination hormone therapy may increase the risk of breast cancer. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of hormone therapy. You might be able to manage your symptoms with non-hormonal therapies and medications. If you decide that the benefits of short-term hormone therapy outweigh the risks, use the lowest dose that works for you and continue to have your doctor monitor the length of time you’re taking hormones.
• Perform daily physical activity. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, which helps prevent breast cancer. Most healthy adults should aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly, plus strength training at least twice a week.
• Maintain a healthy body weight, limit your alcohol consumption, and of course quit smoking. If your weight is healthy, work to maintain that weight. If you need to lose weight, ask your doctor about healthy strategies to accomplish this. Reduce the number of calories you eat each day and slowly increase the amount of exercise.
• Have regular mammograms. Having a mammogram each year after the age of 40 provides not only peace of mind, but also greatly improved survival by early detection. 

For more information, call McLeod Surgery in Cheraw at 843-320-9086, and discuss with your physician what you can do to lower your risk for breast cancer.

For more information, speak with a surgeon near you.