Breast cancer prevention starts with healthy habits — such as limiting alcohol and staying physically active. Understand what you can do to reduce your breast cancer risk.
If you're concerned about breast cancer, you may be wondering if there are steps you can take toward breast cancer prevention. Some risk factors, such as family history, can't be changed. However, there are lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk.
WHAT CAN I DO TO REDUCE MY RISK OF BREAST CANCER?
Lifestyle changes have been shown in studies to decrease breast cancer risk even in high-risk women. The following are steps you can take to lower your risk:
1. LIMIT ALCOHOL. The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of developing breast cancer. If you choose to drink alcohol — including beer, wine or liquor — limit yourself to no more than one drink a day.
2. DON'T SMOKE. Accumulating evidence suggests a link between smoking and breast cancer risk, particularly in premenopausal women. In addition, not smoking is one of the best things you can do for your overall health.
3. CONTROL TOUR WEIGHT. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer. This is especially true if obesity occurs later in life, particularly after menopause.
Be physically active. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, which, in turn, helps prevent breast cancer. For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly, plus strength training at least twice a week.
4. BREAST FEED. Breast-feeding may play a role in breast cancer prevention. The longer you breast-feed, the greater the protective effect.
5. LIMIT DOSE QND DURATION OF HORMONE THERAPY. Combination hormone therapy for more than three to five years increases the risk of breast cancer. If you're taking hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms, ask your doctor about other options. You may be able to manage your symptoms with nonhormonal therapies, such as physical activity. If you decide that the benefits of short-term hormone therapy outweigh the risks, use the lowest dose that works for you.
6. AVOID EXPOSURE TO RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION. Medical-imaging methods, such as computerized tomography, use high doses of radiation, which have been linked with breast cancer risk. Reduce your exposure by having such tests only when absolutely necessary. While more studies are needed, some research suggests a link between breast cancer and exposure to the chemicals found in some workplaces, gasoline fumes and vehicle exhaust.
7. CHECK YOUR FAMILY HISTORY
Women with a strong family history of cancer can take special steps to protect themselves, so it’s important for women to know their family history. You may be at high risk of breast cancer if you have a mother or sister who developed breast or ovarian cancer (especially at an early age) or if you have multiple family members (including males) who developed breast, ovarian or prostate cancer. A doctor or genetic counselor can help you understand your family history of the disease.
One may ask. Can a healthy diet prevent breast cancer?
Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables hasn't been consistently shown to offer protection from breast cancer. In addition, a low-fat diet appears to offer only a slight reduction in the risk of breast cancer.
However, eating a healthy diet may decrease your risk of other types of cancer, as well as diabetes, heart disease and stroke. A healthy diet can also help you maintain a healthy weight — a key factor in breast cancer prevention.
Be vigilant about breast cancer detection. If you notice any changes in your breasts, such as a new lump or skin changes, consult your doctor. Also, ask your doctor when to begin mammograms and other screenings.
Don’t Forget Screening
Despite some controversy, breast cancer screening remains the single best way to protect yourself from the disease.
It doesn’t help prevent cancer, but it can help find cancer early when it’s most treatable.
All women over the age of 20 should get screened regularly for breast cancer. The right screening tests mainly depend on a woman’s age:
IF YOU ARE BETWEEN AGES 20 AND 39:
Get a clinical breast exam about every 3 years.
IF YOU ARE AGE 40 OR OLDER:
Get a mammogram and clinical breast exam every year.
If you’re at high risk, you may need to have mammograms more often and begin them at an earlier age. You may also need to have some different types of screening tests.
And don’t rely on finding breast cancer yourself with self-exams. It’s OK to do breast self-exams, but they don’t take the place of mammograms and clinical breast exams. Any changes in your breasts should be reported to a doctor as soon as possible.
OTHER IMPORTANT RISK FACTORS FOR BREAST CANCER.
Unfortunately, there are also a number of important breast cancer risk factors that women have no control over. Knowing which ones apply to you can help you understand your risk and do what you can to lower it. If you feel you’re at high risk, talk to a doctor or other health professional. These can increase a woman’s breast cancer risk:
• Older age, especially 60 years or over
• Family history of breast cancer
• First menstrual period (menarche) before age 12
• Menopause at age 55 or over
• First childbirth after age 35
• No children
• Tall height (5'8" or taller) • Dense breasts
• History of benign breast disease (like atypical hyperplasia)
But in all these, have a good praying life. Every infirmity has been paid fully on the cross with the blood by our lord Jesus Christ. Remain blessed and be a blessing.
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