Healthy behaviors, such as reducing alcohol use and remaining physically active, are the first steps in preventing breast cancer. Learn what you can do to lower your risk of breast cancer.
If you’re worried about getting breast cancer, you may be asking if there are any preventative measures you can do. Some risk factors, including family history, are unavoidable. However, you may reduce your risk by altering your lifestyle.
What can I do to lower my breast cancer risk?
Even in high-risk women, lifestyle adjustments have been shown to reduce the incidence of breast cancer. To reduce your risk, do the following:
Alcohol should be used in moderation. The more alcohol you consume, the more likely you are to get breast cancer. Based on studies on the influence of alcohol on breast cancer risk, the general guideline is to restrict oneself to one drink per day, since even tiny quantities raise risk.
Maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI). If you’re at a healthy weight, try to keep it up. If you need to reduce weight, talk to your doctor about how to do it in a healthy way. Reduce the quantity of calories you consume each day and gradually increase your physical activity.
Engage in some physical activity. Physical exercise may assist you in maintaining a healthy weight, which can aid in the prevention of breast cancer. Most healthy individuals should aim for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of strenuous aerobic activity each week, as well as strength training at least twice a week.
Breast-feed. Breast-feeding has been linked to a lower risk of breast cancer. Breast-feeding has a larger protective impact the longer you breast-feed.
Hormone treatment for postmenopausal women should be kept to a minimum. Breast cancer risk may be increased by using a combination of hormones. Discuss the risks and advantages of hormone treatment with your doctor. Non hormonal therapy and drugs may be able to help you control your symptoms. If you determine that the advantages of short-term hormone treatment exceed the hazards, start with the lowest dosage that works for you and keep your doctor updated on your progress.
Is it possible to avoid breast cancer by eating a healthy diet?
A balanced diet may help you avoid some forms of cancer, as well as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Women who consume a Mediterranean diet with extra-virgin olive oil and mixed nuts, for example, may have a lower risk of breast cancer. Plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts, are the mainstays of the Mediterranean diet. Healthy fats, such as olive oil, are preferred over butter by Mediterranean dieters, who also choose fish over red meat.
Maintaining a healthy weight is also important for preventing breast cancer.
Is there a connection between birth control pills and the development of breast cancer?
Hormonal contraception, which includes birth control tablets and IUDs that release hormones, has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. However, the risk is regarded to be extremely low, and it reduces if hormonal contraceptives are stopped.
According to a recent research that found a link between hormonal contraceptive usage and breast cancer, for every 7,690 women who use hormonal contraception for at least one year, one more breast cancer may be predicted.
Consult your doctor about your contraception alternatives. Consider the advantages of hormonal contraception, such as the ability to regulate menstrual bleeding, avoid an unexpected pregnancy, and lower the risk of other diseases, such as endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer.
What other options do I have?
Keep an eye out for signs of breast cancer. Consult your doctor if you detect any changes in your breasts, such as a new lump or skin changes. Also, according on your personal history, ask your doctor when you should start mammograms and other tests.
