Breast Cancer Program

Preventive Care

Diet, Exercise Reduces Breast Cancer Risk

Having a history of breast cancer in your family is an unmodifiable risk factor. You can't change that fact. But, you can control your

modifiable risk factors – such as diet and exercise – to reduce your risk of developing the disease.

Healthful Habits

Studies how that a diet that is high in fiber and low in fat helps prevent many diseases, including breast cancer.  Most women need at least 25 grams of fiber per day. Buy foods labeled ‘whole grain' – with at least 4 to 5 grams of fiber per serving – and eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

When cooking, lower fat by:

• Steaming or broiling foods instead of frying
• Substituting skim milk for whole milk
• Removing skin from meat
• Reducing intake of high sugar foods and beverages, for example, soda and sport drinks
• Reducing fat intake by reading food labels.  As a guideline, look for products with no more than 3 gm of fat per 100 calories.

A key to reducing fat intake and maintaining a healthy weight is monitoring portion sizes.  Eat in moderation and choose from a variety of foods from all the food groups.

Let's Get Physical

Combining a low-fat, high-fiber diet with exercise not only helps stave off disease, it helps you maintain a healthy weight.

The American Cancer Society recommends at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise five or more days a week. Check with your physician before starting any new exercise regimen.

For more tips on controlling your nutrition risk factors for breast cancer, call the Nutrition Department at Lansdale Hospital at 215-361-4542.

If you're a woman age 40 or older, be sure to schedule your yearly mammogram. If you have a family history of breast cancer, you may need to begin mammogram testing sooner.