7 Ways to Prevent Breast Cancer

 

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.