Most of the news we hear about breast cancer deals with addressing the disease after it's already been diagnosed. The best treatment for any disease, is through prevention. Here are 10 ways to lower your breast cancer risk.

1. Exercise and be consistant about it. Moderate physical activity, like brisk walking, 3 times a week can reduce a young woman's risk of developing breast cancer by 33%, and the risk of breast cancer after menopause by 26%.

2. If you smoke, quit now. The sooner, the better. (Read more about 10 Ways to Lower Your Risk of Breast Cancer)

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“I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to see my children grow up and my grandchild grow, you get this really scary feeling inside,” says Rosamond Stallings. When 45 year old Rosamond Stallings was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 years ago, doctors urged her to immediately have a mastectomy. “They found like six malignant tumors,” says Rosamond.
Recent studies have shown that 30 percent or more of breast cancer patients fail to receive complete treatment, and that African American women are as much as 10 percent less likely than white women to receive optimal therapy. But now, supported by a $10 million grant from the Department of Defense, a study, led by a team of doctors at Columbia University Medical Center, will look at possible reasons for the disparity. (Read more about African American Women and Breast Cancer)

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Dr. Valentin Fuster discusses the Polypill. The Polypill is being developed in response to an important reality surrounding cardiovascular disease. There are three important drugs that can help prevent heart disease (statins, ACE inhibitors, and aspirin). These drugs are not taken for two major reasons. First, the drugs are simply too expensive for much of the world, including countries as developed as Russia. And secondly, in developed nations where the drugs are affordable patients too often fail to comply - after three years 70% of patients do not take the medications as prescribed. (Read more about What is the Polypill?)

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A recent study by Kaiser Permanente Researchers has found that the effects of alcohol on breast cancer are the same, regardless of whether a woman drinks wine, beer, or liquor. The ethyl alcohol found in those drinks and the quantity consumed are the factors that weigh heavily on breast cancer risk. Researchers believe the increased risk from three or more drinks a day is similar to the increased breast cancer risk from smoking a pack of cigarettes a day or more. They claim that "Population studies have consistently linked drinking alcohol to an increased risk of female breast cancer, but until now there has been little data, most of it conflicting, about an independant role played by the choice of beverage type." (Read more about All Types of Alcohol Linked to Breast Cancer Risk)

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British scientists measured the aluminum content inside of breast tissue to find a relation between breast cancer and deodorants. They found that there is a significantly higher portion in the outer regions of the breast that have the greatest exposure to antiperspirant. This recent study identified a specific distribution of aluminum in breast tissue which may be associated with breast cancer. (Read more about Is there a relation between Deodorants and breast cancer?)

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Calcium & Vitamin D intake may lower Breast Cancer risk

You already knew that calcium and Vitamin D are important for health. But a new study by a team of researchers at Harvard Medical Center suggests that pre-menopausal women who get those nutrients either from foods or supplements are less likely to develop breast cancer. It has also long been thought that vitamin D and Calcium may protect against colon cancer. (Read more about Vitamin D and Calcium Associated With Reduced Breast Cancer Risk)

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The FDA approves an oral contraceptive that also eliminates menstruation.

Wyeth's oral contraceptive Lybrel is now approved by the FDA to eliminate monthly menstrual periods. The drug has a lower level of synthetic hormones than other oral contraceptives and must be taken 365 days a year. According to a study by Wyeth, 59 percent of women had no periods after six months but 18% dropped out due to menstrual spotting. (Read more about FDA Approves New Contraceptive Pill Lybrel)

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A focus on emotional health and overall well being is changing how cancer is treated.

For many who are diagnosed with Cancer, the initial reaction is shock mixed with fear. While coping with the news, having support during a time of uncertainty and stress makes a world of difference. Several cancer treatment centers, such as the Eastchester Center for Cancer Care, are acknowledging the importance of going beyond treating the physical challenge of cancer. Cancer centers now focus on providing emotional support through both a warm environment and a compassionate staff. (Read more about Humanistic Cancer Care)

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There is a new warning for people with pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators: Magnets may pose a serious health risk!

While common magnets for home and office use with low magnetic strength posed little risk, stronger magnets made from neodymium-iron-boron may cause interference with cardiac devices and pose potential hazards to patients.

These magnets are increasingly being used in homes and office products, toys, jewelry and even clothing.

The authors say physicians should caution patients about the risks associated with these magnets and they also recommend that the product packaging include information on the potential risks that may be associated with these types of magnets. (Read more about Health Wrap for December 2006 | Cardiology, Cancer, Asthma, Trans-fat)

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Well, if you need a reason to lose weight and get into shape, here is a new motivation in the form of a health warning for women: being overweight increases one’s risk of developing breast cancer.

The latest study, in the journal of the American medical association, shows that women who gain weight, especially after the menopause, are at a higher risk of breast cancer.
Women who gained about 55 pounds or more since age 18 were at a 45 percent increased risk of breast cancer, compared with those who maintained their weight.

Women who gained about 22 pounds or more since menopause were at an 18 percent increased risk of breast cancer.

But weight loss after menopause lowers circulating estrogen hormones in women, and because estrogen is directly related to breast cancer, weight loss is thought to decrease risk of the disease. (Read more about Weight Gain in Postmenopausal Woman and the Risk of Breast Cancer)

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