What Every Woman Should Know About Breast Cancer Prevention

Your breast health is a vital part of your overall well-being. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we want you to take a proactive step for your future by educating yourself about breast cancer prevention.

At V Care OB/GYN in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York, Gabriela Olaru, MD, and our team believe one of the most powerful steps you can take for your health is scheduling regular well woman exams and mammograms, which serve as the foundation for early detection and preventive care.

Here, we cover the latest screening guidelines and also break down the science behind steps you can take to help reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.

When should you start screening for breast cancer?

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women of average risk receive biennial (every two years) mammograms starting at age 40. This guideline was lowered from age 50 because of a 2% average annual increase in invasive breast cancer cases among women in their 40s.

Starting screenings a decade earlier helps catch anomalies before they progress. Biennial screenings balance the benefits of early detection while minimizing the stress and frequency of false positives. 

During your well woman visit with our team, we perform a general breast examination to feel your breasts for lumps and irregularities. We provide mammogram referrals, reviewing your family history and personal concerns to determine if an earlier or more frequent screening schedule is right for you.

We’re here to answer your questions and make you aware of steps you can take on your own to keep the focus on your breast health.

Physical activity and breast cancer prevention

Regular physical activity lowers your risk of breast cancer by improving your metabolic health and lowering circulating hormone levels. Research shows that women who engage in high levels of leisure-time physical activity have a 10% lower risk of developing premenopausal breast cancer.

Exercise works by lowering fasting insulin levels and reducing systemic inflammation. It also helps control the level of circulating estrogen in your body, which can stimulate breast tissue.

You don't have to be an elite athlete to benefit; aiming for 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, like brisk walking, each week can make a significant difference in your breast cancer prevention efforts.

Dietary sugar and breast cancer risk

Dietary sugar doesn’t directly feed or cause breast cancer. However, a high-sugar diet can lead to weight gain and insulin resistance, which indirectly increases your risk. According to the Mayo Clinic, the real danger lies in how excess sugar affects your metabolism.

When you consume too much sugar, it can lead to increased body fat. In postmenopausal women, excess fat tissue produces higher levels of estrogen through a process called aromatization. This elevated estrogen can act as a trigger for hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers.

Managing your sugar intake is important, but the goal is overall metabolic health rather than trying to starve cancer cells.

Take control of your health today

Whether you need to schedule your annual wellness check or discuss your personal risk factors for breast cancer, we're here to support you. Please contact our team at V CARE OB/GYN today to schedule your next visit.