According to the American Cancer Society, American women have a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer during their lifetime. The risk increases as one ages. For women in their 30s, 1 in 234 may have the disease; for women in their 60s, the risk is nearly 10 times greater (1 in 28). While medical science cannot presently explain why one woman develops breast cancer while another one does not, research continues to reveal certain dietary and environmental contaminants that should be avoided to limit one's risk.

A recent study commissioned by Susan G. Komen for the Cure identified 216 chemicals that cause breast tumors in animals, among them:

• 73 present in consumer products or as contaminants in food
• 35 air pollutants
• 25 associated with occupational exposures
• 29 produced in the United States in large amounts (often exceeding 1 million pounds per year)

Here are some fundamental steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer:

• Know your family history
• Schedule regular mammograms and attend your appointments
• Maintain regular, life-long physical activity
• Research the ingredients of foods you consume and consumer products that you normally use for potential carcinogenic (cancer-causing) agents