The United Nations Office of Disaster Risk Reduction (which sounds like something out of a science fiction movie) boldly states: "There is no such thing as a natural disaster, only natural hazards."

Take the ever-increasing risk of breast cancer. There are a lot of natural hazards that play a role in its development — genetic predispositions, hormonal dysfunctions, unknown exposure to toxins (natural or man-made).

But those factors do not inevitably lead to disease. Not all women with those risks develop breast cancer. And there are a slew of modifiable hazards that can reduce your risk.

One study found that in high-income countries like the United States and Canada, 27 percent of cases of breast cancer are attributable to smoking, alcohol use (we say excessive use), and being overweight or obese.

Women being older when they go through childbirth and spending a shorter time breastfeeding also may increase the risk.

So what can women do to reduce their risk of breast cancer?

• Quit smoking.

• Get 150 minutes of moderate exercise, 60 minutes of vigorous activity, and 20 minutes of resistance exercise a week.

• Eat a high-fiber diet (five to nine servings of fresh produce and two servings of 100 percent whole grains daily).

• Limit or eliminate alcohol.

• Maintain a healthy weight and waist circumference.