Do you know your risk for breast and ovarian cancer?
Knowing your body and your personal risk for certain cancers can help you advocate for your health and be proactive in making healthcare decisions. Get the lowdown on breast and ovarian cancer screening and prevention below!
How do I know my personal risk for ovarian and breast cancer?
Take our breast and ovarian cancer quiz to see if you may be at average or higher risk for these diseases. Then, download your results and discuss them with your doctor to choose the best course of action for you.
Remember, there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach to healthcare. You have a say in your plan of care, so use your voice to ask questions and speak up if something doesn’t feel right.
What screening options for breast cancer are available?
The recommended breast cancer screening for average-risk individuals currently is:
- Monthly breast self-awareness (check your breasts for any changes)
- Yearly clinical exams
- Mammograms annually or every other year (starting at 40 years old)
If you’re at higher risk for breast cancer, there are more options. Discuss your family history with your trusted healthcare provider. Practice shared decision-making and determine the best course of care for you.
What screening options for ovarian cancer are available?
There is currently no recommended screening for ovarian cancer for average-risk individuals.
Individuals who are at higher risk for ovarian cancer have additional screening options. These individuals should discuss them with their trusted healthcare provider.
How can I prevent breast and ovarian cancer?
For individuals who are at average risk for breast and ovarian cancer, there are a few science-backed ways to reduce your risk.
To reduce your risk, you’ll want to:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables
- Be physically active — at least 30 minutes of exercise, 5 times per week
- Abstain from tobacco — no form is safe!
- Drink alcohol in moderation — that’s 1 drink per day for women or 2 drinks per day for men
Adhering to these lifestyle choices can help reduce your risk, but won’t eliminate it entirely.
Next steps
Talk to your trusted healthcare provider to learn more about how you can be proactive about your health and reduce your chances of these diseases. Also, remember to study the signs and symptoms of ovarian and breast cancer so you know what to look out for.