There is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer. Reviewing the risk factors and modifying the ones that can be altered (increase exercise, keep a good body weight, etc.) can help in decreasing the risk.
Following the American Cancer
Society's guidelines for early detection can help early detection and
treatment.
There are some subgroups of women
that should consider additional preventive measures.
Women with a strong family history
of breast cancer should be evaluated by genetic testing. This should be
discussed with a health-care provider and be preceded by a meeting with a
genetic counselor who can explain what the testing can and cannot tell and then
help interpret the results after testing.
Chemoprevention is the use of
medications to reduce the risk of cancer. The two currently approved drugs for
chemoprevention of breast cancer are tamoxifen (a medication that blocks
estrogen effects on the breast tissue) and raloxifene (Evista), which also
blocks the effect of estrogen on breast tissues. Their side effects and whether
these medications are right for an individual need to be discussed with a
health-care provider.
Aromatase inhibitors are
medications that block the production of small amounts of estrogen usually
produced in postmenopausal women. They are being used to prevent reoccurrence
of breast cancer but are not approved at this time for breast cancer
chemoprevention.
For a small group of patients who
have a very high risk of breast cancer, surgery to remove the breasts may be an
option. Although this reduces the risk significantly, a small chance of
developing cancer remains.
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