The ICA recommendations for reducing breast cancer risk

The Israel Cancer Association recommendations for reducing breast cancer risk

• Maintain a healthy, active lifestyle: a third of all breast cancer incidence can be prevented by adopting a healthy, active lifestyle. Studies have shown that there is a link between physical activity and a decline in the risk of developing breast cancer, mainly after menopause. Physical activity reduces the risk of developing breast cancer, independently of the risk factor related to body weight.
  
  
• Maintain a healthy body weight: in order to avoid obesity and maintain a healthy body weight, it is recommended to find the proper balance between calorie intake and physical activity – “the energy balance.” Overweight and lack of physical activity increase the risk of breast cancer morbidity.
  
  
• Avoid adopting behavioral patterns that may increase the risk of developing breast cancer: refrain from smoking, lack of physical activity, obesity and alcohol consumption, which have been proven to increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
  
  
• Breastfeeding: it has been scientifically proven that breastfeeding reduces the mother’s risk of developing breast cancer. Aside from the baby’s health, this is another reason why breastfeeding is recommended.
  
  

  Mammography Screening for Women between the ages of 50-74

• As of today, mammography is widely accepted as the best method for detecting a cancerous growth in the breast, at an early stage, even before it can be felt manually.
  
  
• Initiated by the ICA, Israel runs a National Mammography Screening Program for women between the ages of 50-74, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and all health care funds. As part of the program, an invitation is sent to all women in this age group to undergo screening. Mammography screening compliance rates in Israel are some of the highest out of the OECD countries, reaching 70.5% as of 2017.
  
  

Recommendations for women at normal risk

• Know your breasts. At any age and in any situation (pregnant, breastfeeding ,etc.), if you discover a lump or feel any change, consult your physician and check it out.
  
  
• You can undergo a breast examination once a year by a breast surgery specialist (a manual breast examination has not been proven to reduce the risk of breast cancer mortality).
  
  
• It is recommended for any woman between the ages of 50 and 74 to undergo mammography screening once every two years.

Recommendations for women at high risk with a family history of cancer

• Women with genetic mutations or a family history of breast cancer (a first-degree relative such as a mother or sister who has had breast cancer,), should undergo mammography screening once a year starting at the age of 40 or earlier, according to the physician’s recommendations.
  
  
• If you have been diagnosed as a BRCA 1/2 gene mutation carrier or you belong in other risk groups, you should undergo a breast MRI screening once a year, according to the Ministry of Health recommendations. MRI screening is also recommended for women who have been defined as having more than 20% risk of developing breast cancer during their life time.
  
  
• The details of all the approved indications in the basket of services can be found on the Ministry of Health website.
  
  
• A woman/girl who has undergone chest radiation (usually as part of a Hodgkin Lymphoma treatment), principally during prepubescence, is at a higher risk of developing breast cancer, and should be under medical supervision for early detection according to the physician’s recommendations.

Recommendations for genetic counselling

• Despite not having a cancer family history, it is important that a woman whose first-degree relative has developed breast or ovarian cancer seek genetic counselling to determine if she should undergo genetic testing. The result may affect the type of treatment she is offered, if and when she is found to carry the mutation, and she can consider options for reducing her risk.
  
  
• It is important that a woman whose first-degree relative developed breast or ovarian cancer, obtain a referral for genetic counselling. As part of the consultation, a decision will be made as to whether the woman should undergo genetic testing to negate or detect a hereditary risk factor for the disease.
  
  
• A woman diagnosed as a BRCA 1/2 gene mutation carrier can reduce the risk of developing cancer. You may also consult your primary physician regarding drug treatment that reduces the risk of developing breast cancer.