Breast cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases women face. In 2008 alone, 183,460 American women received a diagnosis of breast cancer. But the news isn’t all bad. “Ninety percent of women have early-stage cancer when discovered,” notes Dennis Citron, MD, medical oncologist with the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. And the earlier the cancer is found, the better your odds.

But you can’t rely on luck to keep breast cancer at bay. Knowledge is your best defense. This info will help empower you.

Breast cancer can strike anyone. Every woman—and even some men—are at risk. However, there are certain factors that increase your chances of getting the disease.

Although young women can get breast cancer, it’s most likely to strike women over 50. And don’t think that you’re safe just because none of your relatives have been afflicted. “A family history of cancer puts you more at risk, and having the cancer gene increases your risk substantially,” says Susan Brown, director of health education at the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

However, only 10 to 15 percent of breast cancer cases are genetically determined, according to Dr. Citron. “Most women who develop the disease have no family history. It can strike anyone.”

Pay attention to your breasts. One of the most important things you can do to be your own healthy-breast advocate is to know what’s normal for you. Do self-exams throughout the month, so you’re familiar with the regular changes your breasts go through. In addition to a lump, be on the lookout for clear or bloody nipple discharge, skin redness or dimpling, or nipple flaking. If you detect any of these signs, see your doctor pronto.

It’s also recommended that women under 40 get an annual breast exam; women 40 and over should get a yearly mammogram. “It’s extremely important to continue going back for your annual mammogram,” stresses Brown. “Mammograms are more effective with older women because of the physiological changes that occur with age,” notes Brown. “Younger women have denser breasts, which make mammograms harder to read.” However, “if three or more relatives have had cancer—on either parent’s side—you should probably be screened before 40,” notes Dr. Citron.

Help reduce your risk. Though there’s nothing we can do about our family history or genetic makeup, there are certain potentially dangerous factors that we can control.

Limiting alcohol intake is one positive step. “You don’t have to be a teetotaler, but try not to have more than two drinks a day because alcohol contains estrogen,” notes Dr. Citron. What’s the connection? It is believed that estrogen can stimulate breast cells and make them abnormal. Also, eat sensibly and exercise because estrogen is higher in overweight women.

Birth-control pills used to pose a risk, but modern pills have a low estrogen content. However, for postmenopausal women, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be harmful. “Prolonged use of HRT, meaning more than 10 years, definitely increases your risk,” warns Dr. Citron.

Every case is different. If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment plan. Though 40,000 women are expected to die of the disease this year, there are 2.5 million survivors and that number is ever growing, notes Brown.

Basically, your treatment will be based on the aggressiveness of your tumor. “Each tumor has molecular markers that make it unique,” explains Brown. “Your doctor will personalize the best treatment for you based on the analysis of your particular tumor.”

To determine if you’ll need surgery, doctors perform a diagnostic test called Oncotype DX on the tumor tissue. Even if you do need to go under the knife, however, don’t automatically assume that you’ll need to have your breasts lopped off. “Breast conserving surgery is becoming more popular,” explains Dr. Citron. “Oncoplastic surgeons pay more attention to removing the tumor while leaving the breast intact.”

He suggests you find a breast oncologist surgeon who specializes in this type of surgery. But before you decide on any type of treatment, make sure you get at least two opinions.