Earlier we talked about Turning 50 and Cancer Symptoms, but breast cancer is not necessarily age-dependent or genetic. Although, apart from prophylactic mastectomy (and taking drugs to prevent a recurrence), there are not many breast cancer prevention methods; but you could make a few basic lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of developing the disease. Most importantly, be sure to get regular screenings — especially mammograms — because cancer is often fairly easy to treat if caught early.

#1. Limit yourself to 2-3 alcoholic drinks a week.

A recent study showed the link between drinking and breast cancer was especially strong in the 70% of tumors known as hormone-sensitive. Alcohol, consumed regularly, is believed to increase the risk of breast cancer. Most doctors recommend cutting back on wine, beer, and hard liquor and limit to not more than 2-3 units per week.

#2. Exercise at least 3 times a week.

And more often is even better! And when you do exercise, exert yourself to keep your heart-rate above its normal level for a minimum of 20 minutes at a stretch. Long walks are good but just not enough to make your sweat. It’s the more vigorous exercise (when you sweat like a pig) that really helps your heart and cuts your cancer risk.

#3. Maintain your body weight/lose weight if you’re overweight.

Research shows that being overweight or obese (especially if you’re past menopause) increases your risk, especially if you put on the weight as an adult. And a study also showed that obese and overweight women also had lower breast cancer survival rates than average-weight or underweight women.

#4. Do a monthly breast self-exam.

Make your to mark your calender for a day for breast self-examination. Ask your doctor for proper instructions and techniques; chances are that you might catch the lump before a mammogram does, and it’s a good idea to follow the changes in your body.

#5. Have a mammogram once a year after 40.

Just like “Early bird catching the worm”, detecting a tumor early increases the chance of survival significantly: The 5-year survival rate can be as high as 98% for the earliest-stage detection, but hangs around 27% for the advanced-stage disease.

Early detection of breast cancer is key (and the closest thing to prevention one can think of), because a tumor is a lot easier to treat if you, your doctor, or a mammogram can catch it while it’s still small. So plan and be prepared for breast cancer.