Researchers estimate that one in seven women will develop breast cancer at some point in her lifetime. The greatest risk factor for developing breast cancer is being a woman (as men can develop breast cancer too), but there are other risk factors that are not beyond our control. Even for those risk that are beyond control, such as family history, there are still some breast cancer prevention options. In determining the best practices to follow for breast cancer prevention, one must first assess one's risks.

One of those risks that is beyond a woman's control is age. With age, a woman's breast cancer risk increases. Approximately 77% of women who are diagnosed are over 50, whereas only 0.3% of breast cancer cases occur in women 20 to 29 years old. One way to use this risk information in terms of breast cancer prevention is to be more diligent with screening methods, such as self-exam and mammography, as you age.

Another risk factor is related to genetics, which are also unchangeable. If you have a mutated copy of one of the four known "breast cancer genes" (BRCA1, BRCA2, HER2 and p53), then your risk increases. For those women who have a family history of breast cancer, undergoing genetic testing can be one step in breast cancer prevention. If one of these abnormal genes is detected, further steps (such as preventative mastectomy) can be taken to reduce or eliminate one's risk of developing breast cancer.

Some risk factors that are in one's control are related to lifestyle and environment. For example, a 2002 study showed that women who consume alcohol have a 30% higher risk of developing breast cancer, as compared to those who do not drink. Therefore, one breast cancer prevention method would be to eliminate alcohol. Similarly, cigarette smoking increases a woman's risk of developing not only breast cancer but other cancers as well. Quitting smoking (or never starting) can therefore help to reduce one's risk.

Diet also plays a role in breast cancer risk. Higher fat diets are associated with an increased risk. Specifically, a diet high in polyunsaturated and saturated fats increase the risk. Therefore, a breast cancer prevention diet would aim to reduce or eliminate the consumption of those polyunsaturated and saturated fats, such as corn oils, red meats and butter. Related to this is the increased risk experienced by overweight women. Therefore, another aim of a breast cancer prevention diet would be to help overweight women lose weight and normal weight women maintain.

Yet another risk factor that remains under a woman's control is hormone replacement therapy. Previously to 2003, it was believed that the benefits of hormone replacement therapy outweighed the risks. However, in a 2003 research project from the UK, a link was shown between an increased risk of breast cancer and use of hormone replacement therapy. The risk is particularly increased for those women who have already had breast cancer. So, while hormone replacement therapy does remain a valid option for some women, those concerned with breast cancer prevention should carefully assess the risks and benefits with their doctors.

Overall, the best prevention for breast cancer is diligent screening. By getting regular mammograms, clinical breast exams and by performing self breast exams, a woman increases her chances of finding a cancerous mass early and thereby increases her chances of survival.