Breast cancer rates are rising in young women. Here is what you can do to protect yourself.

"Survivorship starts at the day of diagnosis," says Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky — and for hundreds of thousands of American women each year, it's their new reality.

Breast cancer is also one of the most common cancers in adolescents and adults under 39.

This week on "Healthful," Dr. Teplinsky joined me to discuss why this is happening. She also shares the steps we can take to best protect ourselves and how to support loved ones through their fight.

In Teplinsky's new book, "Beyond the Pink," she laments how some women are told "you're too young for cancer." But that's really not the case. Instances of breast cancer are rising 1.4% every year in women under 50. That's double the rate of increase (0.7%) in older women.

Environmental factors may have a role in increasing risk of breast cancer — but with little research to pull from, many doctors don't know how to advise patients on what to do to decrease their risk.

Then there are reproductive factors. Girls who start their periods at an earlier age are at higher risk for breast cancer in the future, as are women who have their first child later in life.

Cancer in general is multifactorial. A combination of lifestyle, environmental and genetic components come into play.

"Number one is eliminate alcohol," Teplinsky said, knowing "this is something no one wants to hear about." Alcohol is a carcinogen directly tied to causing cancer. "It can increase the risk, not just of breast cancer, but of multiple cancers."

Regular physical activity — ideally "about 150 minutes, on average, per week," as Teplinksy recommends — not only reduces risk of breast cancer, it also improves cardiovascular and bone health.

"Can you make a small change? Can you swap out your soda for a seltzer? Can you add an extra vegetable to your plate?" Teplinsky suggested.

Millions of women with breast cancer are feeling left behind when it comes to menopause treatment. Hormone therapy has long been considered unsafe for breast cancer patients and survivors. Teplinsky encourages having a thorough conversation with a trusted healthcare provider.

She says there are a number of factors to consider, like what type of breast cancer you have, what is your risk of recurrence, and when were you diagnosed?