Cancer is a term for a group of diseases where cells grow abnormally and invade healthy cells in the body. Breast cancer starts in the cells of the breast, forming a group of cancer cells that can spread to other parts of the body.
Currently, there’s no way to prevent breast cancer. However, there are several known risk factors for breast cancer, such as weight and physical activity level, that you can control. This means that you can reduce your risk of breast cancer by making lifestyle changes.
Some of the changes may help lower your risk of breast cancer.
1. Get Yourself Screened regularly for breast cancer
Regular screens for breasts are one of the best ways to help reduce your risk of breast cancer. Mammograms can help find any breast issues early, even before any signs of cancer show up.
Have a discussion with your doctor to determine when you should begin breast cancer screening.
2. Familiarize Yourself with breast self-exam for breast awareness.
Understand and learn to perform breast self-exams regularly to stay familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts. By doing this, you can promptly report any changes, lumps, or abnormalities to a healthcare professional.
While breast awareness cannot prevent breast cancer, it can help you better understand your breasts and notice any changes that may occur. Being aware of the normal state of your breasts makes it more likely for you to detect any abnormalities early on.
3. Avoid Consumption of Alcohol
Avoid consuming alcohol or limit your intake to no more than one drink per day. Research indicates that alcohol consumption can increase the risk of breast cancer, with those having 2 to 3 drinks per day facing an even higher risk.
To minimize the risk of breast cancer, healthcare professionals advise limiting alcohol intake.
4. Stay Physically Active
Physical activity can help reduce the risk of breast cancer and keep a healthy weight. It also strengthens muscles and the heart, which improves overall health.
Try to move for at least 30 minutes every day. Healthy adults should do 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly.
If you’re inactive, you don’t have to start with long fitness sessions immediately. You can begin with small activities and then increase the duration and intensity.
5. Limit menopausal hormone therapy
Taking birth control or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause can potentially raise your risk of developing breast cancer.
Talk to a healthcare professional to understand the risks and benefits of hormone therapy. Although hormone therapy may help with menopausal symptoms, it’s important to know that it could raise the risk of breast cancer.
6.Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight increases the risk of breast cancer and can worsen outcomes for those already diagnosed. If your weight is healthy, aim to maintain it. If you need to lose weight, consult a healthcare professional for advice on healthy ways to achieve weight loss.
Many people can reach their weight loss goals by regularly exercising and following a healthy diet.
Breast cancer cannot be completely predicted or prevented. However, you can take steps to reduce your risk. These include lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity, losing weight, quitting smoking, and eating a healthy diet.
Annual screenings and knowing your family history can also help you manage your risk. If you have a high risk of breast cancer, you and your doctor can discuss risk reduction options. For some individuals, medications or preventive surgery might be suitable choices. Your doctor can assist you in determining the best course of action for you.