Breast cancer prevention tips
Breast cancer prevention is important for women to learn about, especially since breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in women. No one is sure exactly what causes this condition but it develops when cells in the breast start to multiply in a rapid and uncontrolled way. Although no one knows the exact cause there are number of factors that have been linked with prevention.
- Some risk factors can be controlled but others are considered irrepressible. Uncontrollable risk factors are age, gender, family history, genetic make-up, race and even personal medical history. Lifestyle risks usually fall in the “controllable” category.
- A more common way to prevent breast cancer is through mammograms. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast and is the most common form of prevention. Women who are over forty years of age should get mammograms on a yearly basis.
- Daily physical activity is not only essential for overall health; it also can reduce the risk. You also can run, bike, swim, hike and play sports to mix up your fitness routine and stay motivated.
- Women who breastfeed their babies may have a slightly lower risk of developing, especially if they continue breastfeeding for up to two years.
- Alcohol use is the most well established dietary risk factor for breast cancer. The Harvard Nurses’ Health study, along with several others, has shown consuming more than one alcoholic beverage a day can increase breast cancer risk by as much as 20-25 percent.
- Eat healthy to avoid tipping the scale. Embrace a diet high in vegetables and fruit and low in sugared drinks, refined carbohydrates and fatty foods. Eat lean protein such as fish or chicken breast and eat red meat in moderation, if at all. Eat whole grains. Choose vegetable oils over animal fats.
- Breast-feed your babies for as long as possible. Women who breast-feed their babies for at least a year in total have a reduced risk of developing breast cancer later.
- Relaxation and stress reduction. The Chinese medicine show that Relaxation and stress reduction is an important condition to ensure breast health.
- Women under 35 years of age on oral contraceptives for more than a decade elevate their risk of breast cancer. They need to reconsider their options with a doctor before popping those pills.
- Women between 20 and 39 years should go for clinical breast exam at least once in every 3 years. For women over 40 years an annual mammogram, a professional breast exam, plus monthly breast exams is imperative.
- Avoid hormone replacement therapy. Menopausal hormone therapy increases risk for breast cancer. If you must take hormones to manage menopausal symptoms, avoid those that contain progesterone and limit their use to less than three years. “Bioidentical hormones” and hormonal creams and gels are no safer than prescription hormones and should also be avoided.