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Many women will feel anxious just by reading these words. And that's natural. Most people know someone who has been affected by this disease.
However, there has been a lot of good news about breast cancer lately. Treatment options are evolving and we know more than ever about how to prevent the disease. These eight steps can help reduce your risk of breast cancer. Although not everything is right for every woman, most women can take some steps to improve their breast health. And even just one change in her can be beneficial.
1. control your weight
It's so common that it's easy to ignore, but maintaining a healthy weight is an important goal for everyone. Being overweight can increase your risk of many types of cancer, including breast cancer, especially after menopause.
2. Become physically active
Regular exercise is one of the best things for your health. It can boost your mood and energy. Helps control weight. And it can reduce your risk of many serious diseases, including breast cancer. Try to exercise at least 30 minutes a day. However, no amount of physical activity is better than none at all.
3. Eat fruits and vegetables – limit alcohol intake (zero is best)
A healthy diet can help reduce your risk of breast cancer. Try to eat lots of fruits and vegetables and limit your alcohol intake. Even low levels of alcohol consumption can increase your risk of breast cancer. And considering the other risks alcohol poses, cutting back on alcohol is the healthiest choice overall.
4. Don't smoke
Among many other health risks, smoking causes at least 15 types of cancer, including breast cancer. If you smoke, try to quit as soon as possible. It's rarely too late to claim benefits. I can do it. And with help, he doubles his chances of quitting smoking for good. Visit smokefree.gov or call 800-QUIT-NOW (IL 866-QUIT-YES).
5. Breastfeed if possible
Breastfeeding for a total of one year or more (all children combined) reduces the risk of breast cancer. There are also great health benefits for children. For information and support about breastfeeding, contact your pediatrician, hospital, or local health department.
6. Avoid using oral contraceptives, especially if she is after age 35 or if she smokes.
Oral contraceptives have both risks and benefits. The younger the woman, the lower the risk. Women taking oral contraceptives have a slightly increased risk of breast cancer. This risk disappears as soon as you stop taking the pill. The risk of stroke and heart attack also increases while taking the pill, especially if women smoke. However, long-term use also provides important benefits, including: B. Reduces the risk of ovarian, colon, and uterine cancer, not to mention unwanted pregnancy. So there's a lot to be said about that. If you are very concerned about breast cancer, one way to reduce your risk is to avoid using oral contraceptives.
7. Avoid hormone therapy during menopause
Hormone therapy during menopause should not be used for long periods to prevent chronic diseases. Research shows that it has a complex effect on health, increasing the risk of some diseases and reducing the risk of others. And both estrogen-only hormones and hormones that combine estrogen and progestogens increase the risk of breast cancer. If a woman receives hormone therapy during menopause, the period should be as short as possible. The best place to discuss the risks and benefits of hormone therapy during menopause is with your doctor.
8. Tamoxifen and Raloxifene for High-Risk Women
Although taking the prescription drugs tamoxifen and raloxifene is not generally considered a "healthy behavior," it can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who are at high risk for the disease. These powerful drugs are FDA-approved to prevent breast cancer, but they may have side effects and are not suitable for everyone. If you think you are at high risk, ask your doctor whether tamoxifen or raloxifene is right for you.
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