With one in every eight American women developing breast cancer, one of the best methods of combating breast cancer is through developing an awareness of the disease and how early detection is imperative to survival.  Regular breast exams play an important role in combating breast cancer, especially for women who are 40 years old or more.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control reports that in the United States the incidence of breast cancer has decreased significantly in recent years. Nevertheless, more than 184,000 Americans will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, according to the American Cancer Society. And although family history does play a factor, the two largest risk factors for breast cancer are simply being a woman and getting older.

Obesity increases the risk of many cancers.

People are often unaware of how lifestyle choices can affect their physical well-being and in many cases lower their life expectancy. Concious decisions that people make have a direct impact on their health and increases the risk of contracting many different diseases such as diabetes, macular degeneration and cancer. This is true for breast cancer. There is however, one simple choice that people can make to reduce their risks associated with breast cancer.