Healthy behaviors, such limiting alcohol use and maintaining an active lifestyle, are the first step in preventing breast cancer. Recognize what you can do to lower your risk of developing breast cancer.
If you’re worried that you might have breast cancer, you may be asking if there are any precautions you can do to lessen your risk. Certain risk factors, including family history, are unavoidable. You can reduce your risk by altering your lifestyle, though.
How can I lower my risk of developing breast cancer?
According to research, even among high-risk women, changing one’s lifestyle can lower the risk of developing breast cancer. Reduce your risk by:
Drink in moderation. Your risk of developing breast cancer rises as you consume more alcohol. According to research on the impact of alcohol on breast cancer risk, the general advice is to limit your intake to one drink per day, as even little amounts raise risk.
keep a healthy weight. Work to keep up a healthy weight if you have one. Ask your doctor for advice on appropriate weight-loss methods if you need to. You should eat fewer calories each day and gradually increase your workout.
Be active physically. You can avoid breast cancer by maintaining a healthy weight with the aid of physical activity. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week or 75 minutes of strenuous aerobic activity per week, including strength training twice per week, for the majority of healthy adults.
Breast-feed. Breastfeeding may aid in the prevention of breast cancer. The protective effect increases with the duration of breastfeeding.
Don’t overdo postmenopausal hormone replacement. Combination hormone therapy may make breast cancer more likely. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of hormone therapy with your doctor. With the help of drugs and nonhormonal therapy, you may be able to control your symptoms. Use the lowest dose that works for you and ask your doctor to keep an eye on how long you’re taking hormones if you believe the advantages of short-term hormone therapy outweigh the hazards.
Can breast cancer be prevented with a good diet?
A nutritious diet may lower your risk of developing some cancers, as well as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. For instance, extra-virgin olive oil and mixed nuts may lower the incidence of breast cancer in women who follow a Mediterranean diet. The majority of the foods that make up the Mediterranean diet are plant-based, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. The Mediterranean diet substitutes fish for red meat and favors healthy fats like olive oil over butter.
Keeping a healthy weight is essential for preventing breast cancer.
Are birth control pills associated with breast cancer?
There is some evidence that hormonal contraception, such as hormone-releasing IUDs and birth control pills, raises the risk of breast cancer. However, the risk is regarded as being extremely low, and it goes down once you stop using hormonal contraceptives.
One more breast cancer could be anticipated for every 7,690 women who use hormonal contraception for at least a year, according to a recent study that found a link between using hormonal contraceptives and breast cancer.
With your doctor, go over your contraception options. Aside from preventing unwanted pregnancies and managing menstrual bleeding, hormonal contraception also lowers the risk of developing other cancers like ovarian and endometrial cancer.
Anything else I can do?
Be on the lookout for breast cancer. Consult your doctor if you detect any changes in your breasts, such as a new lump or skin changes. Additionally, according on your medical history, ask your doctor when to start mammograms and other screenings.
