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Lower your risk of breast cancer with screenings

What is breast cancer?

Having breast cancer means cells in your breast have changed and are growing out of control. After breast cancer is diagnosed, tests are needed to learn more about it. The stage of your cancer will help to decide which treatment plan is best for you.

Watch this short video for more information on breast cancer screenings and prevention.

What can you do to help prevent breast cancer?

Get a mammogram: Women ages 40 to 74 should get a mammogram every other year.

Eat well: Eat five or more servings of fruit and vegetables a day. Limit meat like hot dogs, lunch meat, and red meat. Choose whole grains. Find meal ideas and nutrition tips here.

Limit alcohol: Limit alcohol intake to no more than one drink a day. Having more increases the risk by 1.5 times compared to someone who doesn’t drink.

Exercise daily: Exercising at least 30 minutes a day can lower risk of breast cancer.

Learn your family history: 5–10% of breast cancer is hereditary.

Know your body: Be familiar with how your breasts look and feel. This can help you notice symptoms like lumps, pain, or changes in size that may be of concern.

What are the risk factors of breast cancer?

  • Gender: A woman is 100 times more likely than a man to develop breast cancer.
  • Age: The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. Half of all breast cancer diagnoses are in women older than 60.
  • Family history: The risk is higher among women who have blood relatives with this disease.
  • Weight: Being overweight or obese raises breast cancer risk.
  • Race: White women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer than African American women. African American women are less likely to survive this cancer.

Early detection can increase your chances of surviving breast cancer. It also allows for more treatment options.

Members DO NOT need a referral to make a mammogram appointment. Visit your provider or use our Find a Provider tool to find one near you.

Additional Information: