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Dr. Jackie Walters is the personal physician to stars like Toni Braxton, T.I., and Usher. This Board-certified OBGYN lives by the philosophy “work hard, play hard.” After graduating medical school at the University of Mississippi, Dr. Walters completed her residency at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia.

In 2013, the two-time breast cancer survivor founded the 50 Shades of Pink Foundation, which pays tribute to women and men diagnosed with breast cancer.

Her “Fit Is The New It” campaign encourages women to lead a healthy lifestyle through exercise and proper nutrition.

Married, with one daughter-by-marriage, Dr. Walters is an original cast member of Bravo’s hit reality show Married to Medicine currently airing its second season on Bravo.

 If I haven’t had a baby am I at risk for breast cancer?

Having had your first child by age 35 does give a protective benefit again breast cancer. Breast cancer risk is increased for about 10 years after a first birth and then it drops below the risk of women who don’t have children.

I heard breast sucking reduces breast cancer is that true ?

There is no medical evidence of this.

What if I never smoked?

Smoking increases your risk for many diseases so we applaud that.

I thought you had to nurse before the age of 30 to reduce your risk of breast cancer?

Breastfeeding has been included in the protective behaviors against breast cancer but the research has been inconsistent.

I started my menses when I was in the 5th grade. I had three miscarriages due to fibroids and finally a hysterectomy. Am I at a higher risk for breast cancer?

Unfortunately you would be at a higher risk for breast cancer, but risk doesn’t mean definite. Please make sure that you are checking your breasts and getting regular mammograms.

Does exposure to second hand smoke increase your chances of breast cancer?

Yes, the studies do show that but they aren’t sure what’s in the smoke that causes the development of breast cancer.

Dr. Jackie, I am 45 with 5 children, a bulky uterus due to fibroids, a cyst on one of my ovaries, a daughter of breast cancer survivor. I want a hysterectomy and double mastectomy w/ reconstructive surgery. My Dr. says no. I’d like to do Endometrial Ablation and leave my breast in tact.I am also having several menstrual PAIN as I type. What are your thoughts?

I recommend you do BRAC testing to see if your mother has a BRAC gene which increases your risk to 40% chance.

I am a 51 year old woman and the doctors say that I can’t have any children so are you telling me that I have breast cancer?

Not at all, I am saying that there are certain factors that make us more at risk and studies show women who have not had children are often at higher risk. There are no absoutes. What I am saying is that EVERY woman should do self-checks and have regularly scheduled mammograms.

Dr. Jackie I’m currently taking Tamoxifen which is associated with gaining weight and I’m trying to lose but I’m steady gaining.  Do you have any suggestions on what I should be eating?

Please eat healthy.  Eat breakfast within first hour of getting up.  Please eat most veggies, some fruit and include protein (meat, nuts and beans).

Dr. Jackie I’m a 5 year breast cancer surviver. The cancer was found in my milk ducts and its ER receptive. I don’t have any kids. Do yo think that’s why I developed cancer?

There is no way to really say what the reason is. You can evaluate all your risk factors, but there is no absolute way to diagnose what causes some people to develop cancer.

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Get Well Wednesday: Dr. Jackie Walters Says Healthy Women Have Healthy Breasts  was originally published on blackamericaweb.com