Lifestyle Choices For Preventing Breast Cancer

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Do you want to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer?

According to a new report from the Institute of Medicine, women may be able to help do this by avoiding unnecessary medical radiation, limiting the use of combination estrogen-progestin menopausal hormone therapy, reducing alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Two other ways to help include exercising regularly and avoiding tobacco use.

The Institute finds these preventive steps focus on the environmental risk factors for which there is consistent scientific evidence of an association with breast cancer. If you think about it, preventive medicine is fueling these and other decisions that are crucial in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Reported By Dr. Brian McDonough, KYW Newsradio Medical Editor