Some risk factors, such as age, reproductive and family histories are beyond your control. However, others are within your control and choosing to make changes to your lifestyle can reduce your risk of developing the disease.

Here are some simple changes you can make:

• Be physically active. Studies have shown that even moderate activity can reduce your risk by 30 to 40 percent. Choose to do something enjoyable that makes you breathe harder (such as brisk walking or swimming), for a least 30 minutes on most days of the week.
• Lose excess weight. Gaining 5kg in body weight can be a significant risk factor, particularly if you are post-menopausal.
• Eat more fruit and vegetables and a diet low in saturated fat; such a diet can help to lower your risk of developing several types of cancer.
• Limit your intake of alcohol
• Breastfeed your baby. Breastfeeding seems to offer some women protection from breast cancer, as well as being beneficial for the infant. Breastfeed for at least 6 months.
• Quit smoking.
• Weigh up the risks and benefits of taking birth control pills. Talk to your doctor about this, as taking pills can also offer some benefits.
• Talk to your doctor about using HRT that’s prescribed to relieve symptoms of the menopause. The use of HRT for a long period can increase your risk of developing breast cancer.