Statistics show that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives. While this disease can be deadly, it is also preventable. This blog post will discuss six things you need to know about breast cancer prevention. Knowledge is power when it comes to fighting cancer, so read on and learn how you can protect yourself.
Undergo routine checkups
One of the first things you can do to prevent breast cancer is to undergo routine checkups. This means going for mammograms and clinical breast exams regularly. In this case, your doctor may even recommend using ultrasound technology to get a clear picture of the breast tissue. Rest assured that your doctor will be able to detect any changes in your breasts and will be able to determine if there is anything to worry about. The earlier you catch any abnormalities, the better your chances of beating cancer.
Be aware of your family history
Another important factor to consider is your family history. If you have close relatives who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, your risk may be higher. This is because some forms of breast cancer can be hereditary. As such, it is important to be aware of your family history and to let your doctor know if there is a history of breast cancer in your family. From there, you should discuss your options with your doctor and make sure to get regular screenings. More often than not, early detection is key when it comes to surviving breast cancer which is why family history is so important.
Maintain a healthy weight
It is also important to maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can put you at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. This is because there are more fat cells in the breasts of overweight women which can lead to an increased level of estrogen. Estrogen is known to promote the growth of breast cancer cells. So, if you are looking to prevent breast cancer, make sure to maintain a healthy weight. Fortunately, there are various ways to do this such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
Exercise regularly
In addition to maintaining a healthy weight, you should also exercise regularly. Exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. This is because exercise helps to lower estrogen levels and can also help to reduce the size of the breasts. Additionally, exercise helps to improve the immune system which can also play a role in cancer prevention. So, if you are looking to prevent breast cancer, make sure to get plenty of exercises. One of the activities that you can try is brisk walking for 30 minutes a day. This will help to improve your overall health and may also reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.
Limit your alcohol intake
You should also limit your alcohol intake. Drinking too much alcohol has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. So, if you want to lower your risk, it is important to limit the amount of alcohol you consume daily. Experts recommend limiting your intake to one drink a day. However, if you are trying to prevent breast cancer, it is best to avoid alcohol altogether. Rest assured that there are plenty of other beverages to choose from so you won’t have to miss out on anything by avoiding alcohol. For example, you can try drinking green tea which is known to have numerous health benefits.
Don’t smoke
Finally, you should also avoid smoking. Smoking has also been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. This is because cigarettes contain harmful chemicals that can damage the DNA of breast cells and increase the risk of cancer. So, if you are looking to prevent breast cancer, it is important to quit smoking. There are various resources available to help you quit smoking so make sure to take advantage of them. For instance, you can speak to your doctor about quitting smoking or you can join a support group. A support group can provide you with the motivation and support you need to quit smoking for good.
As you can see, there are various things you can do to prevent breast cancer. By following the tips listed above, you can lower your risk of developing this disease. So, make sure to keep them in mind and be proactive about your health. After all, your health is the most important thing. Rest assured that with a little bit of effort, you will be on your way to a healthy and cancer-free life.
