Hulka then reviewed possible strategies for preventing the disease, even before the benefits of mammography and early detection come into play. Geography makes a marked difference in incidence, with lowest rates in Asia and Africa and highest rates in several Western nations such as the United Kingdom and the United States. Women with higher educational and professional levels have higher rates, perhaps because of later childbearing patterns among these women. Early childbearing and longer duration of breastfeeding decrease rates, as do later commencement of menstruation and earlier menopause. Other risk factors include alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, dietary fat, oral contraception use among women diagnosed before age 45, and estrogen replacement therapy.
Women have control of their alcohol consumption and smoking habits.
Exercise at all ages and weight reduction in post-menopausal women are likely to be beneficial, and for new mothers, breastfeeding for six months to a year or more has potential benefits, Hulka pointed out. Other preventive strategies being studied include a clinical trial of the drug tamoxifen and hormone replacement therapy. Clinical trials of dietary modification will include calorie and fat reduction and increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, and grains among some 60,000 women volunteers. Other studies are looking at the role of micronutrients including retinoids and carotenoids and antioxidants in decreasing risk. Color my world.