Treatments for Breast Cancer can cause side effects. Your doctor can let you know what problems to expect and help you find ways to manage them.

Finding out that you have Breast Cancer can cause a range of feelings, from sadness and fear to anger and despair. If your emotions are making it hard for you to move ahead, be sure to tell your doctor. You may be able to get counseling or find a support group. Talking with other people who have faced the same choices can be a big help.

Can Breast Cancer be prevented?

You cannot control some things that put you at risk for Breast Cancer, such as your sex and age. But you can change others. To stay as healthy as you can:

• Eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Be active. Try to get 30 minutes of exercise at least 5 days a week.
• Stay at a healthy weight. Getting regular exercise and watching what you eat can help.
• If you drink alcohol, limit the amount. After menopause, even having one drink a day or less may increase the risk for Breast Cancer.

Still, there is no sure way to prevent Breast Cancer, so it is very important to have regular exams and mammograms. Discuss your risk factors with your doctor to find out how often you should have a mammogram.

If you have a strong family history of breast cancer, ask your doctor about genetic testing. A blood test can check for changes in the BRCA genes that may increase your chance of getting Breast Cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions