If you where a doctor how would you advise a patient found to be at high risk for breast cancer?

If I were a physician (and I am not, so I can only make
assumptions here, along with some research) and my patient had a high risk of breast
cancer, I would suggest methods of early detection. This field is changing all the
time.

History within the family is of paramount importance.
With this established, there are options available to prevent the risk of the disease.
Diet and exercise are important factors, which I would share with my
patient.

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Exercise may decrease breast cancer risk. Also
avoiding alcohol and
obesity.

Other factors that
can reduce one's risk involve taking hormones or living where incidents of pollution are
high—"discontinue hormone therapy...[and] avoid exposure to environmental pollution."
According to the Mayo Clinic, it has not been found that diets with high-fruit content
or diets low in fat make a marked difference in the occurrence of breast cancer (there
is debate regarding this information), but these diets may help reduce the development
of other diseases, and reduce the risk of obesity.

The
National Cancer Institute notes methods of reducing the risks of cancer, which include
smoking and environmental pollutants, among others.

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Some examples of risk factors for cancer are
age, a family history of certain cancers, use of tobacco products, being exposed to
radiation or certain chemicals, infection with certain viruses or bacteria, and certain
genetic changes.

The National
Cancer Institute also identifies protective factors with regard to breast cancer,
several of which echo suggestions by the Mayo Clinic:

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Some examples of protective factors for cancer
are getting regular physical activity, staying at a healthy weight, and having a healthy
diet.

An important step in
fighting breast cancer is self-examination. Eighty-percent of lumps
discovered come from self-exams. The sooner the cancer is caught, the better the chances
of survival.

Being aware of the potential risks and
contributing factors to breast cancer are important pieces of information I would share
with a patient at risk for breast cancer, if I were a doctor.