Some risk factors, such as genetics, cannot be changed, but there are lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of breast cancer
There are two main causes of death, cancer is decreasing, it remains the second leading cause of death from cancer for women.
Breast cancer prevention begins with healthy lifestyle habits, such as limiting smoking and staying physically active. Early detection is also a key element in prevention.
Understanding what you can do to reduce your risk of breast cancer will help you prevent it.
How to prevent breast cancer
1. Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight can increase the risk of many types of cancer, including breast cancer, especially after menopause. When reaching menopause, being overweight increases the risk of breast cancer by 30-60%.
Tips to reduce the risk of breast cancer
2. Know your family history
Having close relatives who developed breast cancer increases the risk.
If your mother or sister has had breast or ovarian cancer (especially at a young age), or if any family member (including ills) developed breast, ovarian or prostate cancer, it will be necessary to know it to be able to take preventive measures.
3. Breast self-exams
It is very important that you become familiar with your breasts and perform breast self-exams periodically, especially if you are over 30 and / or have a family history of breast cancer.
Any change in the shape, size or texture of the skin may be an indication, along with the appearance of lumps or skin rashes.
4. Make regular mammograms after age 40
Although there is some controversy, studies show that breast cancer screening with mammography saves lives. It does not help prevent cancer, but it can help detect cancer early, when it is most treatable.
For most women, regular mammograms can begin at age 40, but specific recommendations vary by age and risk.
5. Avoid alcohol and tobacco
The more alcohol you drink, the greater the risk of developing breast cancer.
While the glass of red wine may have been beneficial, excessive alcohol has been linked to an increased risk of cancer.
There is a clear link between smoking and the risk of breast cancer, especially in premenopausal women.
6. Exercise regularly
Women who are physically active, and exercise at least 30 minutes a day, have a lower risk of breast cancer. Regular exercise is also one of the best ways to help keep weight under control.
7. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains
Eating a well-balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and nutrient-rich foods is essential for health.
Make sure you incorporate rich foods in essential fatty acids and antioxidants into your diet, and reduce the amount of processed sugars and simple carbohydrates.
8. Breastfeed your baby as long as you can
Breastfeeding is not only good for your baby, it is also good for you.
It is estimated that breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer by 4.1% for every 12 months of breastfeeding. So the longer you are with breastfeeding, the better for your health.
This seems to be related to the fact that during breastfeeding, estrogen levels are lower, which reduces the risk. The hormone estrogen is the “fuel” of 80% of all breast cancers.
The longer you breastfeed, the less risk of breast cancer
9. Avoid harmful chemicals
There are many dangerous and toxic substances in some of the hygiene and beauty products that we use every day.
Although much research is still needed on this subject, it seems that some of these products are being linked to an increased risk of health problems and cancers.
One of these products are parabens. Parabens are one of the most common preservatives we see in products like deodorants, shampoos and body lotions.
