The founder and lead surgeon of the North Texas Cancer Center at Wise talks cutting breast cancer risk.

Decatur, TX, – An estimated 252,000 American women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the coming year. While treatment advances, early screening and awareness have combined to help many women experience positive outcomes, prevention is also critical. A recent study sheds light on simple measures women can take that may significantly lower their risk for developing this disease.

“While some factors that may contribute to the development of breast cancer are largely beyond a woman’s ability to control, not every case is linked to family history or genetic mutations,” explains Dr. Gregory Echt, founder and lead surgeon at the North Texas Cancer Center at Wise. “Lifestyle choices, in fact, can play a significant role in elevating or lowering risk. It is estimated that nearly 30 percent of all breast cancer cases could be prevented with certain lifestyle modifications.”

Researchers found four steps in particular played a significant role in lowering a woman’s risks. They are:

• Maintaining a healthy weight – Obesity is strongly linked to many forms of cancer. Obtaining and maintaining a healthy weight can cut risks rather significantly while having the potential to safeguard against other serious health conditions.
• Avoiding the use of hormones – Hormone replacement therapy during menopause is indicated in a number of studies to increase risks for breast cancer. Avoiding such treatments may have a preventative effect.
• Limiting alcohol use – More studies are finding a link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer. With that in mind, limiting use to one serving a day, or even less, is strongly urged.
• Quitting tobacco use all together – Women who smoke can dramatically lower their breast cancer risks by kicking the habit.

“Making healthy lifestyle choices can have a big impact on the risk of developing breast cancer and many other life-limiting conditions,” says Dr. Echt. “Women who are serious about prevention will find there are steps they can take that may help.”

About North Texas Cancer Center at Wise
North Texas Cancer Center at Wise, a division of Choice Cancer Care, is now operating as the Cancer Center at Wise Regional and is one of the most renowned cancer treatment centers in Texas. The center unites some of the best cancer doctors and surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists. Our expert team delivers superior cancer treatment in Texas, with the best results available.