4 Ways to Take Control of Breast Cancer Risk


Breast cancer is among the common diseases that affect women’s health. Studies reveal that breast cancer affects about one in eight women in the U.S. The good news is women have an opportunity to prevent this disease.


1. Feed on a healthy diet
Women ought to maintain a balanced and healthy diet, which includes fruits, whole grains, vegetables as well as lean proteins. Vegetables and fruits have phytochemicals that protect cells against damage that may cause cancer.
On the other hand, while grains can help to reduce inflammation, which may destroy healthy tissues and cells or weaken the immune system. A healthy diet is also a good source of energy for staying active.

2. Exercise often
Exercising has been proved to lower breast cancer among postmenopausal women. It’s recommended you exercise for 30 minutes minimum a day and repeat it four or five times a week. The exercise may include running or walking; ensure you breath faster or sweat.
Physically active women who eat a healthy diet usually keep a healthy weight that reduces breast cancer risk compared to those who’re overweight.

3. Avoid second-hand smoke and tobacco use
Smoking is known to cause various diseases, and increases the breast cancer risk as well, especially among young, premenopausal women. There’s also a link between heavy second-hand smoke and the risk of breast cancer among postmenopausal women. It’s therefore, advisable for women to avoid second-hand smoke whenever possible.

4. Limit alcohol intake
Excessive use of alcohol has been linked to a high breast cancer risk. Compared to those who don’t taste alcohol, women who drink three times a week have 15% higher risk of breast cancer. For every additional drink a woman consumes daily, the overall breast cancer risk increases by 10%.

Screenings are crucial
Mammograms are used for screening breast tissues for cancer. They help to detect breast cancer when it’s still in initial stages and thus, easy to treat. Screenings should start at about 40 to 45 years for those at an average risk. However, women with a family history may need to go for screening earlier or regularly.


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