There is a
lot of good news about breast cancer these days. Treatments keep getting
better, and we know more than ever about ways to prevent the disease.
These seven
simple steps can help lower the risk of breast cancer:
1- Try to
maintain a healthy weight and avoid weight gain
According to
the National Cancer Institute, excess weight and obesity after menopause
increases a woman's risk of breast cancer and can worsen outcomes after a
diagnosis at any age.
It’s easy to
ignore because it gets said so often, but maintaining a healthy weight is
important for everyone. Being overweight can increase the risk of many
different cancers, including breast cancer, especially after menopause.
2- Limit
alcohol
A healthy
diet can help lower the risk of breast cancer. Try to eat a lot of fruits and
veggies and limit alcohol. Even low levels of drinking can increase the risk of
breast cancer. And with other risks of alcohol, not drinking is the overall
best choice for your health.
3- Don’t
Smoke
Several
studies have demonstrated a link between smoking and an increased risk of
developing breast and other cancers.
Smoking
causes at least 15 different cancers – including breast cancer. If you smoke,
try to quit as soon as possible. It’s almost never too late to get benefits.
You can do it.
Read more: 12 Early Cancer warning signs
4- Breastfeed
Breast-feeding
might play a role in breast cancer prevention. The longer you breast-feed, the
greater the protective effect.
5- Avoid
Hormone Therapy for Menopause
Combination
hormone therapy may increase the risk of breast cancer. Talk with your doctor
about the risks and benefits of hormone therapy. You might be able to manage
your symptoms with nonhormonal therapies and medications.
Whether
estrogen is taken by itself or it’s combined with progestin, hormones increase
the risk of breast cancer. If women do take hormone therapy during menopause,
it should be for the shortest time possible.
6- Be
physically active.
Exercise is
as close to a silver bullet for good health as there is. Women who are exercise
for at least 30 minutes a day have a lower risk of breast cancer. Regular
exercise is also one of the best ways to help keep weight in check.
7- Avoid
Birth Control Pills, Particularly After Age 35 or If You Smoke
- Eating a healthy diet might decrease your risk of some types of cancer, as well as diabetes, heart disease and stroke. For example, women who eat a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil and mixed nuts might have a reduced risk of breast cancer. The Mediterranean diet focuses on mostly on plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. People who follow the Mediterranean diet choose healthy fats, such as olive oil, over butter and eat fish instead of red meat.
