How Can I Lower My Chance Of Getting Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. If you're worried about developing breast cancer, there are some steps you can take to lower your chances. Some risk factors, such as family history, can not be changed. However, lifestyle changes can lower your risk. Even one change might make a big difference. Limit Alcohol Consumption : The more alcohol you consume, the higher your risk of developing breast cancer. Maintain a Healthy Weight : If you're at a healthy weight, strive to keep it. If you need to lose weight, consult your doctor for effective strategies. Stay Physically Active : Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and can lower your risk of breast cancer. Consider Breastfeeding : Extended breastfeeding may offer protective benefits against breast cancer. Be Cautious with Hormone Therapy : Combination hormone therapy (estrogen and progesterone) after menopause can increase breast cancer risk. Discuss the potential risks and benefits of hormone therapy with your doctor.

Advanced Breast Cancer Treatments Available Locally in Connecticut // Middlesex Health

Mayo Clinic — Comprehensive Breast Center

Center for Advanced Surgery

NAPBC Accreditation

Our program is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. Learn more about how this enhances the quality of your care:

NAPBC Website

When it comes to breast health—and breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment—knowledge is power

Middlesex Health’s Comprehensive Breast Center brings together all of our breast health services under one roof. This unified structure allows for exceptional communication among your care team, and multiple procedures — such as mammograms and ultrasounds — can be done on the same day.

The innovative technology available at the Middlesex Health Comprehensive Breast Center allows our team to detect and diagnose breast health issues quickly and accurately. Early detection combined with the expertise of Middlesex Health’s oncologists, surgeons, and medical staff allows us to guide breast cancer patients from diagnosis through treatment and into survivorship.

Meet Our Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator

Louise White, RN, CBCN, CAPA is the Breast Nurse Navigator at the Middlesex Health Cancer Center.

Nurse Navigators are specialized registered nurses who guide patients through their cancer journey. They can provide education and support, and they help connect patients to other supportive services, such as social work or nutritional counseling.

Learn More

Programs & Services

Breast Imaging Learn more about the advanced mammography, ultrasound, MRI and more, available through Middlesex Health Diagnostic Imaging.

Breast Cancer Our breast cancer patients receive the most advanced, compassionate care at diagnosis, during treatment, and throughout the entire cancer journey.

Breast Surgery Our surgeons are experienced in techniques that achieve the best cosmetic result and quality of life, without compromising effective treatment.

Middlesex Health and Volpara - Revolutionizing Breast Cancer Screening with Advanced Imaging Analytics

Middlesex Health has implemented a groundbreaking software called Volpara, which is designed to enhance breast cancer screening by analyzing mammography images. The software uses advanced imaging analytics to assess breast density and other characteristics, helping radiologists better evaluate a patient's risk of breast cancer. By providing more personalized assessments, this software will improve screening accuracy and patient outcomes, enabling more targeted follow-up actions for women at higher risk. The tool is part of Middlesex Heealth's broader effort to optimize the breast cancer screening processes and improve early detection rates.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. If you're worried about developing breast cancer, there are some steps you can take to lower your chances. Some risk factors, such as family history, can not be changed. However, lifestyle changes can lower your risk. Even one change might make a big difference.

Limit Alcohol Consumption: The more alcohol you consume, the higher your risk of developing breast cancer.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: If you're at a healthy weight, strive to keep it. If you need to lose weight, consult your doctor for effective strategies.
Stay Physically Active: Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and can lower your risk of breast cancer.
Consider Breastfeeding: Extended breastfeeding may offer protective benefits against breast cancer.
Be Cautious with Hormone Therapy: Combination hormone therapy (estrogen and progesterone) after menopause can increase breast cancer risk. Discuss the potential risks and benefits of hormone therapy with your doctor.

Meaning Mondays Podcast - The Community Foundation of Middlesex County

Episode 10 presented an panel from Middlesex Health, featuring Dr. Andrea Malon, Director of the Middlesex Health Cancer Center and Breast Surgeon, and Dr. Kertrisa McWhite, Breast Surgeon, who discussed Breast Health Awareness by sharing vital facts and debunking common myths about breast health and the importance of breast exams.

Lynn Alston, Community Breast Health Lay Navigator, also joined the show to talk about her crucial role in advocating for and assisting women in understanding and prioritizing their breast health.

This episode highlights the collective efforts of remarkable individuals, businesses, and nonprofits working together to make Middlesex County a wonderful place to live.