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Prevention

By Mayo Clinic staff

You can't avoid certain risk factors for breast cancer, such as your age, genetics or family history. But other factors that could increase your chances of developing breast cancer are well within your control. Healthy lifestyle habits, such as getting enough exercise, limiting alcohol and eating right, may offer you some protection from breast cancer.

Certain medications and surgical procedures may help reduce your chance of developing breast cancer. Preventive medications do have potential side effects, however, and risk-reducing surgery isn't the best option for everyone. Discuss your personal risk of developing breast cancer with your doctor and ask whether you would be a candidate for some therapy that may reduce that risk.

DS00771

Aug. 27, 2008

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