Breast Cancer

There are many risk factors for developing breast cancer that you cannot control, such as age and genetics. Assess your genetic risk of developing breast cancer.

However, there are some factors that you can control and, while these measures provide no guarantee that you will not develop the disease, they will lower your risk of breast cancer.

Have regular breast examinations

• Self-examinations: Women should perform monthly breast self-examinations starting at age 20. If you notice any new lumps or skin changes, contact your doctor immediately.
• Clinical exam: Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam as part of a regular exam by a health professional, preferably every three years, especially if they are at high risk of developing breast cancer. Women aged 40 and over should have a clinical breast exam every year.
• Mammogram: Women aged 40 and older (or aged 35 and older if at high risk) should have a screening mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health.

Stay physically active

Try to stay physically active on most, if not all days.

Maintain a healthy weight

Consult your doctor about your ideal body weight and if you aren’t in the target range, consider lifestyle changes to include a healthy diet and exercise.

Limit alcohol intake

Limit yourself to one drink per day or avoid alcohol completely.

In addition to these main prevention measures, some research has also suggested:

• Limit fat in your diet
• Limit exposure to pesticides
• Refrain from taking unnecessary antibiotics

TRICARE benefit information

TRICARE covers physical breast examinations annually for women age 40 and older, and at a physician's discretion for women younger than 40 who are at high risk of developing breast cancer; annual mammograms for women age 39 and older, or 35 and older for those at high risk of developing breast cancer.

Additional resources

American Breast Cancer Foundation

Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Common Myths About Breast Cancer

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

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