Reducing your risk

A healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of breast cancer.

Drink less alcohol

Drinking even one alcoholic drink per day increases your risk of developing breast cancer. The more alcohol you drink, the greater the increase in risk.

Quit smoking

Smoking is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your overall health.

Manage your weight

Being overweight increases your risk for many diseases. Being overweight after menopause increases your risk of breast cancer.

Be active

Physical activity helps in weight management but also provides a whole range of other health benefits.

The more you exercise, the greater the reductions in breast cancer risk. Aim to do at least 30 minutes of moderate to brisk exercise on most days.

Eat healthy foods 

You can lower your risk of cancer by healthy eating. Combined with physical activity, a healthy diet will help you maintain a healthy body weight and reduce your risk of cancer. 

Talk to your doctor about managing menopause symptoms

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)  may increase your risk of breast cancer. Talk to your doctor about options to manage the symptoms of menopause.

More information

• Cancer Council Australia has more detailed information on how you can reduce your cancer risk.
• iPrevent  – an online tool, developed by the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, estimates your personal risk of developing breast cancer and includes tips for you to reduce your risk
• Finding breast cancer early, a Cancer Council resource
• Take the lead, a Cancer Council resource for Aboriginal women