Doctors start to recommend regular mammograms for women when they reach 40 but evidence now shows that a woman's risk for breast cancer may be determined far earlier in life. Cellular changes in breast tissue that are just beginning to develop in childhood can lead to cancer.

During early childhood, breast tissue is mostly dormant until the pituitary gland and ovaries produce enough hormones, including estrogen, to accelerate breast growth. These changes take place when a girl starts menstruating and continues for several years. During this period rapid cell growth appears to be a particularly vulnerable time for the breast and may be the time when the first cellular changes that can lead to breast cancer are most likely to occur.

Exercise at an early age is one of the best habits you can encourage in your daughter,  Exercise at an early age slows down the hormone production and delays the onset of her first period. Girls that start their periods at 13 or 14 have a lower lifetime risk for breast cancer than those at the national average of 12 years old and under.

Limiting their junk food, and talking to them about alcohol consumption are two other ways to lower the risk of breast cancer in your daughter. Teens and young women who consume high levels of alcohol before the age of 25 may be at higher risk for breast cancer. Also a talk about birth control as a teenager is important. The use of birth-control pills during the teen years may also increase risk for breast cancer. But teenagers also need to be concerned about unwanted teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. If your daughter is sexually active, condoms may be a better choice. It is a controversial issue but don't leave your daughters sexual safety in the hands of young men.