This year 192,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 40,800 will die from the disease according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Some women have an increased risk of contracting the disease, but more than 70 percent of cases occur in women who have no identifiable risk factors.

The risk for breast cancer increases for women as they age. The risk also increases if there is a familiar history, if the woman has never had children or had her first child after age 30.

Decrease your risk for the disease.  The National Institute of Health, National Cancer Center recommends:

• Get regular breast exams by a doctor or nurse and ask your doctor when you should begin getting regular mammograms.
• Exercise and eat a balanced diet that provides a good variety of nutrients and plenty of fiber.  Limit dietary fat and alcohol. 
• Consult your doctor about your personal situation and carefully weigh any potential risks against the benefits in making decisions about hormone-containing drugs.

Although the value of breast self-exams is being debated, it’s a good idea to perform them on a regular basis because they've helped many women detect cancer early.