Reducing risk

Lifestyle changes that can help to reduce a woman’s risk – maintaining a healthy weight, restricting alcohol intake, early pregnancy and extended breast feeding (where appropriate) can make a difference.

The contraceptive pill slightly increases breast cancer risk, but this gradually returns to normal once a woman ceases taking it.

Research has also found that postmenopausal women who take combined oestrogen/progestin HRT for three or more years are at greater risk of developing certain forms of breast cancer. Again this elevated risk returns to normal over a period of around 5 years following treatment. Women at higher risk of breast cancer may wish to consider ending treatment with HRT or contraceptive pills in light of this information.

Lifestyle changes that may reduce your risk are:

• Stopping hormone replacement therapy
• Stopping the oral contraceptive pill
• Reducing your alcohol intake
• Breast-feeding your children
• Healthy lifestyle

and

• Reducing your weight if overweight or obese.
• Eating a balanced diet with low fat intake and plenty fruit and vegetables
• Taking regular exercise