The Susan G. Komen Foundation estimates that among women in the U.S. there will be 246,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer, 61,000 new cases of in situ cancer (early stage cancer in which the cancer remains where it started) and 40,450 breast cancer deaths.
That's over 125 new cases and 20 deaths out of every 100,000 women.
Experts from the MedStar Health Cancer Network will answer calls and questions about breast cancer prevention on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016 between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. Call 410-481-2222.
Here are seven ways you can protect yourself against breast cancer:
- Control your weight
- Be physically active
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Don't smoke
- Breast-feed
- Limit dose and duration of hormone therapy
- Avoid exposure to radiation and environmental pollution
Dr. Shweta Kurian, a hematologist and oncologist with MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, said diet and exercise are particularly important.
"There is a very good correlation between adult weight gain and the incidence of breast cancer," she said.
She recommends that women keep your body mass index (BMI) between 20 and 25. She also recommended a diet rich in fruits and vegetables as well as regular exercise, both of which will help regulate body weight.
Another thing to keep in mind is limited alcohol. She said keep your daily alcohol to one serving, whether that be beer, wine or liquor.
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