Breastfeeding lowers your breast cancer risk. (Photo/MD Anderson Cancer Center)People tend to get worried Whenever you mention breast cancer. This is not surprising since nearly everyone knows someone touched by this disease. Regular screening is touted as the most effective way to reduce breast cancer deaths, although experts continue to debate who should be screened, how often and at what ages. But not nearly enough is said about what women can do on their own to lower their risk of getting breast cancer in the first place.

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These eight simple steps can help lower the risk of breast cancer. Not everyone applies to every woman, but together they can have a big impact.

Limit alcohol

Research has shown that women who have 2 to 3 alcohol drinks a day have about a 20% higher risk compared to women who don’t drink at all. Women who have 1 drink a day have a very small increase in risk. Excessive drinking increases the risk of other cancer types, too.

Exercise regularly

Many studies have found that exercise is a breast-healthy habit. In one study from the Women’s Health Initiative, as little as 1.25 to 2.5 hours per week of brisk walking reduced a woman’s risk by 18%. Walking 10 hours a week reduced the risk a little more.

Don’t smokeSmokers and non-smokers alike know how unhealthy smoking is. On top of lowering quality of life and increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and at least 15 cancers – including breast cancer – it also causes smelly breath, bad teeth, and wrinkles. Now that’s motivation to stay smoke-free or work to get smoke-free.BreastfeedThe longer you breastfeed, the greater the role it plays in breast cancer prevention. Breastfeeding for a total of one year or more (combined for all children) has been proven to lower the risk of breast cancer. It also has great health benefits for your child(ren).Get screened for breast cancerDespite some recent controversy, studies show that breast cancer screening with mammography saves lives by detecting cancer early when it’s most treatable. For most women, it is recommended that regular annual mammograms start at age 40 (earlier if you are at high risk).