What Women Are Doing to Combat Breast Cancer

Feb. 28, 2025

Every year on March 8th we celebrate International Women’s Day. A day to celebrate women and all of their amazing accomplishments. In their lifetime 15% of women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. This International Women’s Day we highlight how women combat breast cancer and make changes to reduce their risk. Women are actively doing things like making lifestyle changes, committing to early detection, and spreading awareness.

Lifestyle Changes:

  1. Maintain a Healthy Weight  

    1. Maintaining a healthy weight is a great way to combat breast cancer. Being overweight can increase your risk, especially after menopause.  

  2. Limit Alcohol  

    1. The more alcohol you consume, the higher your risk. It is best to reduce how much alcohol you drink and, ideally, eliminate it.  

  3. Exercise Regularly  

    1. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, preventing breast cancer. Women should get at least 30 minutes of activity daily.  

  4. Quit Smoking  

    1. Don’t smoke or quit smoking if you already do. Smoking increases your risk for many different types of cancer, including breast cancer.

Early Detection:

  1. Breast Cancer Screenings 

    1. Making sure you are getting your yearly mammogram is essential when it comes to combating breast cancer. If you notice any changes in your breast, your doctor may also recommend a breast ultrasound.  

  2. Self Breast Exams 

    1. You should conduct self-breast exams each month. This allows you to notice any diff​​erences in your breasts and enables easier early detection.  

  3. Get Genetic Testing 

    1. The BRCA gene increases your risk for breast cancer. Talk to your doctor about your family history and whether genetic testing suits you.

Spreading Awareness:

Spreading and raising awareness and advocacy for breast cancer is the most impactful way that individuals can spread knowledge about breast cancer and combat it. There are many forms of breast cancer awareness, but some ways include raising funds for research, sharing personal stories to educate others, and participating in breast cancer awareness campaigns.

If you have any questions about how to combat breast cancer, it is important to your doctor. 

 

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