Family history and genetics cannot be changed, but lifestyle choices may still lower the risk of breast cancer, according to experts quoted by Local 10 News. The American Cancer Society estimates that 85% of women diagnosed with the disease have no family history of it.
Dr. Jessica Pastoriza, a breast surgical oncologist at Mount Sinai Medical Center who is also certified in lifestyle medicine, said cancer prevention calls for 300 minutes of physical activity a week, along with two days of strength training.
Nutrition also plays a role, though Pastoriza said no single food prevents breast cancer. She pointed to a diet built on minimally processed, plant-based foods. Vegetables such as kale, cabbage and cauliflower, along with lentils, chickpeas and black beans, fit that pattern. Whole grains, fatty fish and green tea can be part of a balanced diet.
Alcohol is an established risk factor. Pastoriza said guidance has shifted as research has advanced, and that any amount of alcohol now carries cancer risk, especially for women. She advises moderation for people who drink.
She also stressed managing stress, getting enough sleep and maintaining close social ties. Lifestyle changes cannot eliminate risk, she said, and regular screening and talks with health care providers remain important even for women with no family history of the disease.
