The best strategy for protecting yourself from breast cancer is early detection. Becoming an informed partner with your doctor is one of the most important things you can do.

Typically, women implement a combination of monthly breast self-exam (BSE), clinical breast exams, and screening mammography. Discuss these strategies with your doctor and together you can develop an early detection plan that is right for you.

In addition, lifestyle choices may be important.
 

Eating a low fat diet. Studies have shown that women in populations that consume a high-fat diet are more likely to die from breast cancer than women in populations that consume a low-fat diet. Fruits & Veggies Matter from the National Cancer Institute provides tips for healthy eating. Diet and cancer risks are discussed in "Cancer Rates and Risks," a special publication from the National Cancer Institute.

Exercising. Exercise,is important. Read what the American Cancer Society has to say about Exercise For Adults and Elderly. Limit alcohol use. Excessive consumption of alcohol is associated with a slight increase in breast cancer risk. Increased risk of developing cancer from alcohol is discussed by the American Cancer Society.

If you have been identified as having a high risk of developing breast cancer, you may want to talk with your doctor about more aggressive preventive measures, including joining trials for new drug therapies being tested to prevent breast cancer and other options.