Jump to content

  • Set Your Location
  • Sign in or Enroll
Set Your LocationSet Your Location
  • Find a Doctor
  • Find a Location
  • Donate Now
  • Patient Login
    • Sign In to My Health Online
    • Enroll in My Health Online
    • Learn About My Health Online
    • Open Choose a medical group or hospital
    • Clear my location
Change Location
Sutter Health
  • BOOK APPOINTMENT
  • Book Appointment
  • Profile
Book Appointment
Walk-In Care

In-person care for minor illnesses.

Urgent Care

In-person care for moderate illnesses and injuries.

Video Visits

Virtual care with a Walk-In Care clinician.

Primary Care

Ongoing care and wellness for everyone.

COVID-19

Resources for vaccination and boosters.

Patient Login
  • Sign In to My Health Online
  • Enroll in My Health Online
  • Learn About My Health Online
  • Patients and Visitors

    Patients and Visitors

    Get personalized, coordinated care across Northern California through the Sutter network.

    View Patient Resources
    My Health Online

    Make appointments, message your doctor and more through our patient portal.

    Enroll Now
    • Find a DoctorFind a Doctor
    • Find a LocationFind a Location
    • View All ServicesView All Services
    • Request RecordsRequest Records
    • Pay a BillPay a Bill
    • Check SymptomsCheck Symptoms
    Patient Resources
    • Contact Us
    • Patient and Visitor Information
    • My Health Online Patient Portal
    • Classes and Events
    • Doctor Referrals
    • Health and Wellness
    • COVID-19 Vaccine Resources
    Billing and Insurance
    • Pay a Bill
    • Accepted Health Plans
    • Cost Estimates/Charges
    • Medicare Advantage
    • Sutter Health Plus
  • Treatments and Services

    Treatments and Services

    Access award-winning, comprehensive primary and specialty care for your whole family.

    View All Services
    Schedule a Visit

    Convenient care options for your everyday health needs.

    Book Appointment
    Get Care
    • Primary CarePrimary Care
    • Video VisitsVideo Visits
    • Walk-In CareWalk-In Care
    • Urgent CareUrgent Care
    • Emergency CareEmergency Care
    Featured Services
    • Mental Health
    • Pregnancy and Childbirth
    • Imaging
    • Pediatrics
    • Orthopedics
    • Cancer
    • Heart and Vascular
     
    • Dermatology
    • Physical Therapy
    • Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT)
    • Labs
    • Urology
    • Neuroscience
    • Women's Health (OB/GYN)
    • View All Services
  • Research and Education

    Research and Education

    Our contributions to medical research and education lead to better healthcare outcomes.

    Research at Sutter
    Graduate Medical Education

    Join our robust training programs led by nationally known healthcare leaders.

    Explore Opportunities
    Research
    • Clinical TrialsClinical Trials
    • Research StudiesResearch Studies
    • PublicationsPublications
    • InvestigatorsInvestigators
    Education
    • Residencies and Fellowships
    • Continuing Medical Education
  • About Sutter

    About Us

    Explore the ways we provide innovative, compassionate care through our network.

    Learn About Sutter Health
    Work at Sutter Health

    Shape the future of healthcare and build your career within our diverse teams.

    Find Jobs
    About Sutter Health
    • About Us
    • Diversity and Inclusion
    • Awards and Honors
    • Leadership
    • Annual Report
    • News and Media
    • Patient Stories
    • Business Programs
    Community
    • Giving
    • Volunteer With Us
    • Community Benefit
    Careers
    • Jobs at Sutter
    • Physician Opportunities
    • Residencies and Fellowships
  • BOOK APPOINTMENTBook Appointment
Logo
  • Patients and Visitors
  • Treatments and Services
  • Research and Education
  • About Sutter
Find a DoctorFind a DoctorFind a LocationFind a LocationContact UsContact UsDonate NowDonate Now
BOOK APPOINTMENT
  • My Health Online Patient LoginMy Health Online Patient Login
  • Set My LocationSet My Location
Logo
  • Find a DoctorFind a Doctor
  • Find a LocationFind a Location
  • View All ServicesView All Services
  • Request RecordsRequest Records
  • Pay a BillPay a Bill
  • Check SymptomsCheck Symptoms
Patient Resources
  • Contact Us
  • Patient and Visitor Information
  • My Health Online Patient Portal
  • Classes and Events
  • Doctor Referrals
  • Health and Wellness
  • COVID-19 Vaccine Resources
Billing and Insurance
  • Pay a Bill
  • Accepted Health Plans
  • Cost Estimates/Charges
  • Medicare Advantage
  • Sutter Health Plus

Patients and Visitors

Get personalized, coordinated care across Northern California through the Sutter network.

View Patient Resources
My Health Online

Make appointments, message your doctor and more through our patient portal.

Enroll Now
Patient
My Health Online

Make appointments, message your doctor and more through our patient portal.

Enroll Now
Logo
Get Care
  • Primary CarePrimary Care
  • Video VisitsVideo Visits
  • Walk-In CareWalk-In Care
  • Urgent CareUrgent Care
  • Emergency CareEmergency Care
Featured Services
  • Mental Health
  • Pregnancy and Childbirth
  • Imaging
  • Pediatrics
  • Orthopedics
  • Cancer
  • Heart and Vascular
  • Dermatology
  • Physical Therapy
  • Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT)
  • Labs
  • Urology
  • Neuroscience
  • Women's Health (OB/GYN)

Treatments and Services

Access award-winning, comprehensive primary and specialty care for your whole family.

View All Services
Schedule a Visit

Convenient care options for your everyday health needs.

Book Appointment
Logo
Research
  • Clinical TrialClinical Trials
  • Research StudiesResearch Studies
  • PublicationsPublications
  • InvestigatorsInvestigators
Education
  • Residencies and Fellowships
  • Continuing Medical Education

Research and Education

Our contributions to medical research and education lead to better healthcare outcomes.

Research at Sutter
Graduate Medical Education

Join our robust training programs led by nationally known healthcare leaders.

Explore Opportunities
Research
Graduate Medical Education

Join our robust training programs led by nationally known healthcare leaders.

Explore Opportunities
Logo
About Sutter Health
  • About Us
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Awards and Honors
  • Leadership
  • Annual Report
  • News and Media
  • Patient Stories
  • Business Programs
Community
  • Giving
  • Volunteer With Us
  • Community Benefit
Careers
  • Jobs at Sutter
  • Physician Opportunities
  • Residencies and Fellowships

About Us

Explore the ways we provide innovative, compassionate care through our network.

Learn About Sutter Health
Work at Sutter Health

Shape the future of healthcare and build your career within our diverse teams.

Find Jobs
Career
Work at Sutter Health

Shape the future of healthcare and build your career within our diverse teams.

Find Jobs
  • Home
  • Health and Wellness
  • Women's Health
  • Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer
Content

Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer experts in the Sutter Health network discuss simple steps that can help you lower your risk of disease.

We all want to take control of our health, and do whatever we can to live a long and healthy life.

When it comes to breast cancer, unfortunately, there are a number of risk factors that you can’t do anything about. You are at risk for the disease simply because you are a woman and are getting older. You might also be at higher than average risk if you have a family history of the disease. Listen to Harriet Borofsky, M.D., a radiologist with the Mills-Peninsula Medical Group, talk about breast cancer risks and how mammograms can help. 

Sutter Minute – 3D Mammograms

There are many other factors you can address to try lowering your risk.

“It’s especially important to maintain a healthy weight, because obesity and breast cancer are clearly linked, particularly after menopause,” says David A. Shiba, M.D., medical oncologist at Sutter Gould Medical Foundation and medical director for Memorial Medical Center’s Cancer Services. “Eat healthy and get regular exercise. That will contribute to your general health and reduce your risk of all types of cancer, as well as heart disease and other serious conditions.”

Breast cancer ribbon

What else does Dr. Shiba recommend?

Limit Alcohol

“Research has found a link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer, but we don’t know exactly how strong that link is,” Dr. Shiba says. “If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation – which for women means no more than one drink a day.”

Cut Down on Dietary Fat

“Women who eat a low-fat diet may have a slightly lower risk of invasive breast cancer,” he says. Cutting down on fats may also help you keep your weight in check. Eliminate saturated fat and limit other types of fat to less than 35 percent of your daily calories.

Get Moving

Women who are inactive may have an increased risk of breast cancer. One study found that 1.25 to 2.5 hours a week of brisk walking reduced the risk of breast cancer by 18 percent.

Avoid Hormone Therapy

“Long-term hormone therapy with certain estrogen-progestin combinations for the treatment of menopause symptoms was found to increase the risk of breast cancer,” Dr. Shiba explains. “We used to see many women using hormone therapy, but it’s much less common now. If you are having trouble with menopausal symptoms, ask your doctor how you can manage them with exercise, dietary changes, or other non-hormonal approaches. If you do eventually need to use hormone therapy to get some relief, do it at a low dose and for a short period of time.”

Make an Informed Decision About Birth Control Pills

Women who use birth control pills are at slightly higher risk of breast cancer. The risk does go back down after you stop taking them. If you took them more than 10 years ago, they do not pose any increased risk.

Use Pesticides with Caution

“Although the research isn’t conclusive, pesticide exposure may be linked to breast cancer,” Dr. Shiba says. Researchers have found that women with higher levels of pesticides in their breast tissues have a greater risk of breast cancer.

Quit Smoking

“The link between smoking and breast cancer is not as clear as the link between alcohol and breast cancer, but it might be raising your risk,” he says.

Breastfeed Your Babies

Some studies suggest that breastfeeding for several months can lower your risk.

“If you have a strong family history of the disease and think you might be at higher than average risk, talk with your doctor about other steps you can take,” Dr. Shiba says. Your doctor might suggest genetic counseling to better understand your risk level, and possibly genetic testing. If you do have a genetic mutation that puts you at higher risk, you might consider more frequent screening exams, chemoprevention, or preventive surgery.

Also it’s very important to get regular screening exams for breast cancer according to your doctor’s recommendations, and be alert to any changes you notice in your breasts. “Women know their bodies better than anyone else,” Dr. Shiba says. “If you notice any changes, report them to your doctor. The earlier we can diagnose cancer—particularly breast cancer—the best chance we have to cure it.”

Related Articles

  • Breast Lumps – What’s Normal?
  • Breast Health 101
  • Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines
  • Birth Control Guide
  • Urinary Incontinence in Women
  • Facts About Vaginal Infections

More Resources

View Sutter's full resource library

Healthwise Resource Library

Look up helpful health information.

View information for Sutter Health Patients

Patient Information

Practical info for Sutter patients.

Tools and Quizzes

Tools and Quizzes

Online tools to help you make decisions about your health.

The Sutter Health Network of Care
Expertise to fit your needs
Primary Care

Check-ups, screenings and sick visits for adults and children.

Specialty Care

Expertise and advanced technologies in all areas of medicine.

Emergency Care

For serious accidents, injuries and conditions that require immediate medical care.

Urgent Care

After-hours, weekend and holiday services.

Walk-In Care

Convenient walk-in care clinics for your non-urgent health needs.

  • Contact Us
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Book Appointment
  • Request Medical Records
  • Donate Now
Sign in to My Health Online

Billing and Insurance

  • Pay a Bill
  • Accepted Health Plans
  • Estimate Costs
  • Medicare Advantage

About Sutter

  • About Our Network
  • Community Benefit
  • Annual Report
  • News and Media

Our Team

  • For Employees
  • For Medical Professionals
  • For Vendors
  • For Volunteers

Careers

  • Jobs at Sutter
  • Physician Jobs
  • Graduate Medical Education

Copyright © 2023 Sutter Health. All rights reserved. Sutter Health is a registered trademark of Sutter Health ®, Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark office.

  • ADA Accessibility
  • Price Transparency
  • Privacy
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • LinkedIn Opens new window
  • YouTube Opens new window
  • Facebook Opens new window
  • Twitter Opens new window
  • Instagram Opens new window
  • Glassdoor Opens new window

Cookie Policy

We use cookies to give you the best possible user experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences

Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences