Can a healthy lifestyle prevent me from getting cancer?
Studies have shown that exercising can reduce risks of cancer for people with a family history of cancer, even for people who did not exercise in their youth. Exercise does not have to be rigorous to be effective, even brisk walking for 2 1/2 hours a week was shown to help reduce risk.
While living a healthier lifestyle may lower your risk of getting cancer, it does not prevent you from getting cancer. A pathogenic variant has a more significant impact on your chances of getting cancer.
Does alcohol consumption increase my risk of getting cancer ?
Studies have shown that alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of cancer.
Are there any medications for cancer risk reduction?
Tamoxifen and other preventive medications have been shown to significantly reduce breast cancer risk in people at high risk, however, the data on people with genetic pathogenic variants is limited. People can elect to consult with an oncologist about the potential benefits and risks of preventive medications. People who choose to take a preventative medication require ongoing surveillance with breast imaging and clinical breast exam.
Studies show that oral contraceptives (if not contraindicated) can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by approximately 50% when taken for 3-5 years. Some studies have suggested that birth control can slightly increase or decrease chances of getting breast cancer. These studies have not found a consistent and significant increase of getting breast cancer.