How can I lower breast cancer risk, and how does screening differ from prevention?
Activity, a suitable weight and reducing alcohol can lower risk; breastfeeding is also associated with lower risk. No habit prevents every case. Mammography aims at early detection rather than preventing cancer formation. Follow-up depends on age and individual risk.
Details
Discuss family history
Report affected relatives, ages at diagnosis, ovarian cancer and known inherited variants. Higher risk may justify genetic counselling or additional imaging, but genetic tests are not necessary for every woman.
Agree on a screening plan
Ask when to start mammography and how often according to the guidance used and your circumstances. MRI is used for selected groups; ultrasound is not an automatic substitute. Knowing your usual breast appearance is useful but does not replace screening.
When a new change appears
A lump, skin or nipple change, or bloody discharge needs review even after a recent normal scan. Risk-reducing medicines or preventive surgery are options for selected cases after discussing benefits and harms, not general advice.
Related reading: How do HPV vaccination and cervical screening help prevent cervical cancer?.