Antioxidants, found in many foods including green tea, tomatoes, vitamin E, vitamin C and beta caro-tene, stop damage to genes that can lead to cancer. We need to understand how risk varies by other attributes of women, including genetic attributes. In the meantime, women today can take many steps to reduce their risk of breast cancer, notes Russell. But cumulatively, by reducing those factors that have been shown to in-crease the likelihood of getting the disease, women can take significant steps to make sure they and their families won't be affected by this disease. The important thing, Russell says, is educating women and doctors that people can take action, whether it be exercise, using a drug like tamoxifen or a commitment to regular screening, to reduce their risk.
Prevention is still a new philosophy in cancer.
I think that most people who haven't had cancer assume they will never get it, which is not all bad. It only becomes a problem when that translates into people avoiding mammograms and other cancer screens. There's a fear of dying, a fear of losing a breast. Our culture places a lot of emphasis on breasts as a defining feature in sexuality. It seemed like it was just a matter of time.