While there is no way to prevent breast cancer there are things women can do that might reduce their risk

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world and approximately one in eight women will be diagnosed at some point in their lives. Former ER star, Maura Tierney, is involved in her own personal medical drama. The 44 year old actress was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and will be undergoing surgery to remove a tumor.

In an interview, Tierney explains that she found a lump during a routine breast self exam, "I have discovered a tumor in my breast which requires surgery. I will not know either my exact diagnosis or course of treatment until that surgery is performed". She said that her doctors advised her "this is a very treatable condition," and she's "very optimistic as to the outcome". The actress is currently starring in the TV show Parenthood. Production on the series will be delayed for eight weeks while she recovers from her surgery.

As the second most common cancer (lung cancer is first), breast cancer is a major health concern, especially for women who are 100 times more likely to develop breast cancer as men. Breast cancer is the leading type of cancer diagnosed in women and is much more prevalent in well-developed nations. The good news is, death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1990, with larger decreases in women younger than 50. According to the American Cancer Society, “If you limit alcohol use, exercise regularly, and keep a healthy weight, you are decreasing your risk of getting breast cancer”. Sounds simple enough, right? 

The important thing to remember is that we have a lot of power over cancer. We have the ability to decrease the likelihood of developing cancer in addition to cutting edge medical treatments that make the dreaded “you have cancer” statement a little less frightening. For the latest on breast cancer check out Everything is Pink...So Why Isn't There A Cure.

Stacy Matson is a health enthusiast from Southern California and regularly blogs on Celebrity Health for A Healthier World, as well as contributing to the Best of the Best.