Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women. While there are several treatments available, no one of them offers 100% guaranteed results. That’s why it’s important to nip the evil in the bud and prevent getting the disease in the first place.
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to reduce your risk of developing this disease. By making some simple lifestyle changes and being aware of your family history, you can dramatically reduce your chances of getting breast cancer and enjoy a healthy life.
Keep reading to learn more about what you can do to reduce your risk of this disease.
1. Get Regular Mammograms
Mammograms are an important tool in the fight against preventing breast cancer. Mammograms are x-rays of the breast and are used to detect breast cancer. They are recommended for women over the age of 40. Regular mammograms can help reduce your risk of getting breast cancer by up to 40%.
They can help detect the disease at an early stage when it is most treatable. By getting regular mammograms, you can learn about breast cancer stages, and, God forbid, if you have developed it at any stage, you can start your treatment immediately without wasting time.
2. Maintain a Healthy Weight
It’s no secret that being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing a number of health problems, including breast cancer. In fact, obesity is one of the most preventable risk factors for breast cancer.
It’s important to maintain a healthy weight by keeping a check on your eating routine. If you are a person with a slow metabolism who can put on weight easily, it is recommended to divide your meals into multiple shifts and don’t binge eat.
Also, try to include protein in your diet. It helps you feel fuller for a longer period, and you’ll be less likely to eat more. You can also talk to your doctor about taking certain supplements or medications. Whatever route you decide to take, know that you’re making a positive choice for your health.
3. Remain Physically Active
Exercise is your best companion when it comes to preventing and fighting off multiple diseases, including breast cancer. Make sure to include a morning walk of about an hour in your morning routine. Do it before you take your breakfast to stabilize your heart rate and sugar level.
You can work out in the morning or evening to maintain a healthy weight and increase the level of antioxidants in your body, which will eventually be helpful in fighting off cancer. However, it is advised to keep your workouts normal and don’t push your limits too much.
The best way to determine a specific workout for yourself is to check your BMI and ask a trainer which type of workout you need to get in the best shape and maintain a healthy weight.
4. Limit or Cut Your Alcohol Intake
Although alcohol consumption is a well-known risk factor for breast cancer, many people continue to drink alcohol without giving it much thought. But the truth is, the more alcohol you drink, the higher your risk of developing breast cancer.
Studies have shown that even moderate drinking can increase your risk of developing the disease. Even if you only drink occasionally, cutting back on alcohol can make a big difference. If you do want to cut your alcohol intake but are struggling to cut back on your own, it is advised to consult supporting resources available online and in your area.
5. Limit Your Exposure to Environmental Pollutants
Exposure to carcinogens like shipyard pollutants, pesticides, and industrial chemicals can increase your risk of developing breast cancer. So, it’s important to avoid these substances whenever possible. You can also reduce your risk by avoiding hormone-disrupting chemicals like bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalates.
BPA is a synthetic compound that is used in a variety of consumer products, from water bottles to food cans. It has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, and avoiding products that contain BPA can help reduce your chances of getting the disease.
Moreover, it is advised to limit your exposure to ionizing radiation because it has also been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. In short, limit your trip to the areas where there’s a chance of nuclear radiation or other environmental pollutants.
6. Breastfeed Your Babies
Most mothers don’t opt to breastfeed their babies, but little do they know that breastfeeding has been shown to lower the risk of breast cancer by up to 24%. And doing this as long as possible will diminish your chances of getting breast cancer.
When you breastfeed, your body makes a hormone called prolactin. This helps to protect your breasts from cancer. Studies have shown that women who breastfeed for more than a year are less likely to get breast cancer than women who don’t breastfeed at all.
Breastfeeding also helps to lower the levels of certain hormones in the body that can increase the risk of cancer. The longer you breastfeed, the greater the protection. Not only is it good for your health, but it’s also good for your baby’s health.
7. Avoid Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills only do good in one way while disturbing your whole hormonal cycle. Studies have shown that women who take birth control pills have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should avoid taking birth control pills if you’re at a high risk of developing breast cancer.
There are many other factors that can contribute to your risk of developing breast cancer, so speak with your doctor about your specific situation. But if you’re looking to reduce your overall risk of developing breast cancer, avoiding birth control pills is a good place to start.
However, if you need to use these pills, it is best to consult your gynecologist. They will analyze your health and will recommend you the dose according to your underlying conditions for minimum impact.
