1. Make the following dietary changes -

• Increase the amount of fiber in your diet.
• Fiber helps reduce the amount of circulating estrogen in your body. Gradually increase the amount of fiber you eat to 20-30 grams daily.
• Eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that may protect against cancer. Fresh fruits and vegetables also are good sources of fiber.
• Limit fat in your diet. Maintaining a healthy weight reduce your risk of breast cancer. Limit your fat intake to less than 30 percent of your daily calories, with no more than 10 percent coming from saturated fats.

2. Avoid alcohol -

Consuming alcoholic beverages may increase the risk of breast cancer, even when consumed in moderation.

3. Exercise -

Exercise at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Walking has been shown to be as effective as more vigorous types of exercise. Previously inactive people should start out slowly, gradually increasing the length and intensity of their physical activity.

4. Avoid exposure to pesticides -

Studies have shown that women with elevated levels of pesticides in their breast tissue have a greater breast cancer risk.

Early Detection

The best chance a woman has to fight breast cancer is to find it and to seek treatment early. "Cancer detected in its earliest stages offers the best chance for a cure," Timothy Jones, M.D., OLBH general surgeon, said. "By taking some accessible steps toward early detection, breast cancer can be detected and treated."

• Perform monthly breast self-exams. "Women should become familiar with their breasts and learn to recognize the feel of a "normal lump," so abnormal changes are detected," Dr. Jones explained. The best time of the month to perform the exam is after your menstruation when breasts are not tender or swollen.
• Have a physician conduct an annual exam. A check of your breasts should be a part of routine gynecological check-ups. "Women should have a clinical breast exam performed by a healthcare professional annually," Dr. Jones said.
• Have regular mammograms. A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray that can detect breast cancer while the tumor is very small. "With today's technology, a mammogram can detect tumors of the breast approximately up to two years before it can be felt with the hand," Dr. Jones concluded.

Dr. Jones suggests seeing your doctor immediately if you have any of the symptoms listed below.

• New Lumps
• Thickening or hardening under the skin
• Bleeding or discharge from the nipple
• Anything unusual in the skin or nipple
• Redness or any changes in breast color
• An inverted nipple
• Puckering or dimpling of the skin