• Early detection by breast self-exam every month
  • Annual mammogram for women over 40
  • Manual breast exam by a physician
  • Exercise at least 30 minutes a day or increase physical activity enough to “break a sweat”
  • Control weight gain after menopause
  • Eat more fruits and vegetables, whole-grains and cereals. Also, reduce servings of high fat foods; avoid red meat and many dairy products
  • Increase daily intake of calcium-rich foods
  • Avoid wine, beer and other alcoholic beverages
  • Avoid tobacco products - smokers are encouraged to join a stop-smoking program, as soon as possible
  • Work on maintaining a positive mental attitude, which helps reduce stress and can improve emotional and physical health
  • Select a breast imaging physician that has completed a fellowship in mammography or those who spend more than 50 percent of their time reading mammograms

Select a breast care center based on the following criteria:

  1. Doctors who specialize in breast disease and breast cancer
  2. Facility that offers a wide range of breast imaging services, comprehensive breast care treatments and innovative breast surgery procedures
  3. Practice focuses on each patient’s physical, emotional and lifestyle needs
  4. Provides educational programs and helps organize support group