Prevention is The Best Medicine

Prevention Is the Best Medicine—Especially for Women Over 40

Why Taking Action Now Matters for Heart Health, Breast Cancer Risk, and Overall Wellness

As women enter their 40s and beyond, their health risks begin to shift—often quietly, and without clear symptoms. Hormonal changes, lifestyle factors, and family history can increase the risk of chronic diseases, particularly heart disease, stroke, and breast cancer.

Although prevention is always important, it becomes essential after 40, especially during and after menopause when estrogen levels drop and risks rise. The good news? Prevention works—and small, consistent changes can make a big difference.

Heart Disease: The #1 Killer of Women

Many people think of heart disease as a “man’s disease,” but it is actually the leading cause of death in women in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in every 5 female deaths is due to heart disease.

In fact:

1 in 3 women in the U.S. will die from heart disease
90% of women have at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease
For Black and white women, heart disease is the top cause of death
For Hispanic, Asian, and Pacific Islander women, heart disease is second only to cancer
Among American Indian and Alaska Native women, heart disease and cancer cause roughly equal numbers of deaths

Reference: CDC. (2023). Women and Heart Disease Fact Sheet. https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/women.htm

Key Risk Factors for Heart Disease in Women

High blood pressure
High LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
Smoking
Diabetes
Overweight or obesity
Physical inactivity
Poor diet
Excessive alcohol use

Breast Cancer: Risk Rises with Age and Hormone Exposure

After heart disease, cancer is the second leading cause of death in women, and breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in the U.S.

Each year, about:

255,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer
42,000 women die from it
Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women, even though white women are more likely to be diagnosed

Reference: CDC. (2022). Breast Cancer Statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/statistics/index.htm

Breast Cancer Risk Factors You Can’t Change

Being a woman
Age (most breast cancers are diagnosed after age 50)
Family history (mother, sister, or daughter with breast or ovarian cancer)
Genetic mutations (BRCA1, BRCA2)
Dense breast tissue
Early menstruation (before age 12) or late menopause (after age 55)
Personal history of breast cancer or certain benign breast conditions
Diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure in utero

Breast Cancer Risk Factors You Can Change

Lack of physical activity
Being overweight or obese after menopause
Taking certain types of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or birth control pills
Having your first pregnancy after age 30 or not having a full-term pregnancy
Not breastfeeding
Drinking alcohol
Smoking and chemical exposures
Working night shifts (linked to hormone disruptions)

Reference: National Cancer Institute. (2023). Breast Cancer Risk Factors. https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/risk-fact-sheet

Why Prevention After 40 Is Even More Important

After age 40, estrogen levels decline, which affects blood vessels, metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and fat distribution. This makes women more vulnerable to:

Increased belly fat
Higher blood pressure
Elevated cholesterol and triglycerides
Greater risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes

Many of these changes can happen even without significant weight gain, making regular screening and healthy lifestyle choices even more critical.

Medications and Their Role in Risk

Certain medications commonly used by women over 40—like hormone therapy, antidepressants, corticosteroids, and proton pump inhibitors—may influence weight, blood sugar, or nutrient absorption. For example:

Prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and corticosteroids has been linked to chromium deficiency, which may worsen blood sugar control and insulin resistance.

Reference: Lukaski HC. (1999). Micronutrients (magnesium, zinc, and chromium) and endurance exercise. Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0899-9007(99)00071-3

What You Can Do Now: Proven Prevention Strategies

Whether you’re managing your risk of heart disease, breast cancer, or simply trying to stay healthy as you age, here are lifestyle habits that make a real difference:

✅ Stop Smoking

You can lower your heart disease risk within 1–2 years after quitting. Quitting also reduces your breast cancer risk over time.

✅ Move Your Body

Aim for 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise most days. If you’re short on time, three 10-minute walks throughout the day count, too.
Exercise can:

Lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol
Improve blood sugar
Support hormone balance
Reduce cancer risk

✅ Maintain a Healthy Weight

Focus especially on belly fat. Even at a normal weight, carrying weight around the waist increases the risk of heart disease and metabolic syndrome.

✅ Eat a Whole-Food, Plant-Forward Diet

Prioritize vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds
Minimize ultra-processed foods, red meats, and sugary beverages
Add anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric and rosemary

✅ Limit Alcohol

Excess alcohol increases the risk of both breast cancer and cardiovascular disease. Try to keep it to no more than 1 drink per day—or better yet, avoid it altogether.

✅ Talk to Your Doctor About Medications

If you’re considering hormone therapy or already using birth control pills, discuss your personal and family history of cancer and heart disease. These medications can be beneficial for some women but pose added risks for others.

✅ Breastfeed if You Can

Breastfeeding has been shown to lower breast cancer risk in women who are able to do so.

✅ Know Your Family History

If you have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, ask your provider about genetic testing or other risk-lowering options.

Final Thoughts

Turning 40 is a milestone—and also a turning point in how women should approach their health. While risk factors may increase with age, so does the power of prevention.

By making informed lifestyle choices and staying proactive with screenings and medical care, you can lower your risk of heart disease, breast cancer, and other chronic illnesses—while improving your quality of life now and in the years to come.

At Rx Health and Wellness, we support women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond with personalized coaching, education, and community support to help you reverse chronic disease and reclaim your vitality.

Prevention isn’t just the best medicine—it’s your greatest power.

References

CDC. (2023). Women and Heart Disease Fact Sheet. https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/women.htm
CDC. (2022). Breast Cancer Statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/statistics/index.htm
National Cancer Institute. (2023). Breast Cancer Risk Factors. https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/risk-fact-sheet
Lukaski HC. (1999). Micronutrients (magnesium, zinc, and chromium) and endurance exercise. Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0899-9007(99)00071-3
American Heart Association. (2022). Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics. https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/heart-and-stroke-association-statistics
National Institute on Aging. (2021). Menopause and Heart Health. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/menopause-and-your-heart