When we think about breast cancer, sometimes we assume there is nothing we can do to reduce the risk of getting it. We assume it is fate when in fact there may be some steps a woman can take to reduce her probability of becoming a statistic.

• We know that exercise helps reduce risk. Power walking and other aerobic activities three times a week is beneficial.
  
  
• Keeping weight stable and in the average category is important, too. The more fat we carry, especially on our hips, the more estrogen we tote around, since we store it in fat cells.
  
  
• Consumption of more than one alcoholic beverage a day also increases risk, so think before asking for that second or third glass of wine at dinner.
  
  
• Smoking increases risk for breast cancer and others forms of cancer. Anyone who smokes today truly must have a death wish, with so much information available about its carcinogenic properties.
  
  
• Hormone replacement therapy increases risk and, though it doesn't necessarily cause breast cancer, might speed up cancer's arrival by feeding it.
  
  
• Broccoli sprouts, which studies say can reduce your risk, may be added to your diet. Sprouts are different from full-grown broccoli. Sprouts are harvested when they are three days young and contain sulforaphane, which has anti-cancer properties.
  
  
• Breastfeeding is believed to help reduce risk, but you need to breastfeed multiple years in a row to gain the benefit.
  
  
• Having your first-born child before age 30 offers some protection, but consider this decision carefully. No one should have a baby for the purpose of reducing their risk of breast cancer.

Are there women who follow this advice and still get breast cancer? Yes, which means there are risk factors out there that we haven't deciphered yet. So let's see: eat right, don't smoke, limit alcohol intake, and exercise -- sounds like lifestyle habits that may have benefit in other areas, such as cardiac health and diabetes prevention. If you're not practicing these habits now, consider making the switch. Your breasts will thank you for it later. So will your heart, lungs, and hips.