{"id":62339,"date":"2017-10-05T07:15:57","date_gmt":"2017-10-05T11:15:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/?p=62339"},"modified":"2017-10-10T14:05:41","modified_gmt":"2017-10-10T18:05:41","slug":"reduce-breast-cancer-risk-20s-30s-40s","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/health\/reduce-breast-cancer-risk-20s-30s-40s\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Reduce Your Breast Cancer Risk At Any Age"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"How
Photo: Twenty20<\/a><\/i><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nicole Seagriff was a preventative medicine resident when she realized the importance of family history in assessing breast cancer risk. \u201cBreast cancer has been a part of my life since before I was born,\u201d she says. \u201cMy grandmother passed away from breast cancer when my mom was four years old, and my mom battled it at age 42. My mom\u2019s sister also got diagnosed in her early 40s and passed away before her 50th<\/sup> birthday,\u201d Seagriff says.<\/p>\n

After learning how crucial early screenings are for people with a family history of the disease, Seagriff decided to get a genetic test. That\u2019s when she found out she was BRCA2 positive<\/a> \u2014 meaning she had a gene mutation, which increases the risk for breast, ovarian, pancreatic, skin and prostate cancers. Not long after an MRI scan of her breasts, Seagriff, who was just 27 years old at the time, received a breast cancer diagnosis.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>What Every Woman Should Know About Ovarian Cancer<\/a><\/p>\n

How Early Detection of Breast Cancer Can Help Save Your Life<\/h3>\n

Ultimately, Seagriff decided to have a mastectomy \u2014 surgery to remove all breast tissue \u2014 to treat her cancer, after learning she had an 89 percent chance of relapse if she didn\u2019t opt for the surgery. Now, thanks to genetic screening and an early diagnosis, Seagriff is celebrating her fifth year cancer-free. And she\u2019s running the New York City Marathon in November to raise money for The Pink Agenda<\/a>, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising money for breast cancer research and spreading awareness about the disease to young professionals.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>9 Things No One Tells You About Life After Breast Cancer<\/a><\/p>\n

How to Reduce Your Breast Cancer Risk at Every Decade<\/h2>\n

Let Seagriff\u2019s story inspire you to stay proactive about your health. \u201cThe way I think about having a mutation in my BRCA gene is that if my body can\u2019t protect itself, I need to do whatever I can to protect it,\u201d she says. Know your family history and talk to your doctor about genetic testing. Also, take a few preventative steps to help decrease your risk. To set you in the right direction, we asked experts to share their best stay-healthy tips for every age group.<\/p>\n

\"How
Photo: Twenty20<\/a><\/i><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In Your 20s: Follow a Healthy Lifestyle<\/h3>\n

While the risk of breast cancer is lowest at this decade (only about four percent<\/a> of people in their 20s receive a cancer diagnosis), it\u2019s not a time to skimp on exercise and a healthy diet. Marc Hurlbert, PhD, chief mission officer at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation<\/a>, says, \u201cStarting with good habits<\/a> in your 20s is a great way to create a platform for health throughout your lifetime.\u201d\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

“Starting with good habits in your 20s creates a platform for health throughout your lifetime.”\u00a0<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

That means striking a balance between regular workouts and Netflix nights, as well as happy hours and meal prep. (Need some workout or meal ideas? Check out this 20-minute bodyweight workout<\/a>, plus three-ingredient recipes<\/a>.) \u201cWomen in their 20s should start or continue a regular exercise routine, stay at a healthy weight, quit smoking and avoid alcohol,\u201d he says. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control<\/a>\u00a0recommends that women limit their daily alcoholic intake to two drinks.<\/p>\n

RELATED: 3 Simple Strategies for Reducing Your Breast Cancer Risk<\/a><\/h3>\n

In addition to maintaining positive habits, you should also see your primary care physician and gynecologist at least once a year. Although research has shown no clear benefit to having physical breast exams and breast self-exams, the American Cancer Society (ACS)<\/a> says women should still be mindful of how their breasts look and feel. And see a doctor right away if anything changes.<\/p>\n

Deborah Lindner, MD, chief medical officer of\u00a0Bright Pink<\/a>, a non-profit organization that focuses on the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women, agrees women should practice breast health awareness.\u00a0\u201cGetting to know what\u2019s normal for your breasts, like how they look, feel, the color and size, will help you determine when something isn\u2019t normal,\u201d says Lindner. Some common breast cancer symptoms include warmth or redness, nipple discharge, swelling, scaly rashes, soreness, change in size or shape, bumps or a lump, Lindner adds. Some studies also link hormonal birth control to an increased breast cancer risk, Hurlbert says. So remember to chat with your doctor before you start taking it, especially if breast cancer runs in your family.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>5 Breast Cancer Charities Giving Women New Hope<\/a><\/p>\n

\"How
Photo: Twenty20<\/a><\/i><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In Your 30s: Assess Your Breast Cancer Risk<\/h3>\n

A woman\u2019s risk of breast cancer increases to about half a percent when they hit their 30s, according to the National Cancer Institute. And that number can go up after having a kid. \u201cAll women have a short-term increase in breast cancer risk after childbirth, which declines after about 10 years,\u201d says Margaret Flowers, PhD, director of scientific communications and grants at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.<\/p>\n

“Your father\u2019s health history is just as important as your mother\u2019s.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Flowers says women who have children in their 30s or later have a higher risk<\/a> of breast cancer than those who have never given birth. Studies<\/a> relate a woman\u2019s risk for breast cancer to her exposure to hormones produced by the ovaries. Pregnancy after age 30 exposes women to these hormones for longer periods of time and as a result, increases breast cancer risk. The good news: Breastfeeding helps reduce your risk postpartum.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>Think Pink: 9 Inspiring Breast Cancer Awareness Races<\/a><\/p>\n

Like women in their 20s, staying on top of physical activity and managing stress should remain on the priority list for 30-somethings. To be more specific, Hurlbert says, \u201cWomen in their 30s should maintain an exercise routine that includes 150 minutes each week of cardiovascular exercise as well as weight training.\u201d If you\u2019re feeling anxious, try these beginner meditation<\/a> techniques, and start moving more with 10 minutes<\/a> of HIIT for cardio and these strength exercises<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Your 30s are also a good time to evaluate your family history. \u201cYour father\u2019s health history is just as important as your mother\u2019s,\u201d says Lindner. Learn how your family history affects your personal risk by visiting AssessYourRisk.org<\/a> and creating a worksheet<\/a> on your relatives\u2019 health.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>How Fitness Helped Me Get Through a Breast Cancer Scare<\/a><\/p>\n

\"How
Photo: Twenty20<\/a><\/i><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In Your 40s: Manage Your Breast Cancer Risk<\/h3>\n

Age is the strongest risk factor for breast cancer, so at this decade, it\u2019s time to consider a screening. The ACS recommends that starting at 45, women should get annual mammograms \u2014 an x-ray that detects changes in breast tissue. \u201cSchedule your mammogram when your breasts aren\u2019t tender or swollen to reduce discomfort. Also, try to avoid the week just before your period,\u201d Flowers says. On the day of your mammogram, avoid wearing deodorant<\/a> or antiperspirant, as it can show up as white spots on the x-ray.<\/p>\n

“Starting at 45, women should get annual mammograms.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Also, physical activity and a clean diet still hold a top spot for disease prevention in your 40s. As estrogen and progesterone levels start to taper in this decade, women become more prone to weight gain. \u201cIt\u2019s especially important to continue physical activity, maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid weight gain as you approach menopause,\u201d Hurlbert says. To keep metabolism<\/a> in check, try a low-impact strength workout like barre<\/a>, or go swimming<\/a> or cycling for an aerobic boost.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>How to Boost Your Metabolism in Your 20s, 30s and 40s<\/a><\/p>\n

Breast Cancer Prevention at Any Age<\/h3>\n

Remember, if you do test positive for a breast cancer genetic mutation, it doesn\u2019t mean you have cancer or will definitely get cancer. \u201cUnderstanding that you have this mutation means that you now have powerful knowledge about your health,\u201d Lindner says. And Seagriff agrees: \u201cWe can\u2019t change our DNA. But we can support a healthy lifestyle to prevent damage to our genes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Read More
\n<\/strong>9 Things No One Tells You About Life After Breast Cancer
\n<\/a>Think Pink: 9 Inspiring Breast Cancer Awareness Races
\n<\/a>Joan Lunden on Courage, Fitness and Just Saying Yes<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Your family history may increase your breast cancer risk, but taking preventative steps to improve your lifestyle can lower your chances. Here\u2019s what to do.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":90,"featured_media":62345,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,7,11],"tags":[289,192,71,341,354],"class_list":["post-62339","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-diet-nutrition","category-health","category-health-hacks","tag-exercise","tag-metabolism","tag-nutrition","tag-tax1living-well","tag-tax2breast-cancer"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62339","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/90"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=62339"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62339\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/62345"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=62339"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=62339"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=62339"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}