Breast Cancer Prevention-How to Reduce Your Risk:
Breast cancer prevention begins with good habits, such as minimizing alcohol use and remaining physically active. Learn how you can reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.
If you are concerned about developing breast cancer, you may be wondering what you can do to help avoid it. Certain risk factors, such as family history, cannot be changed. However, you can adopt lifestyle changes to minimize your risk.
How can I lower my chance of breast cancer?
According to research, lifestyle adjustments can reduce the likelihood of developing breast cancer, especially among high-risk individuals. To reduce your risk:
Limit or avoid alcohol:
It's best not to consume alcohol. If you do consume it, keep it in moderation. The more alcohol you drink, the higher your risk of developing breast cancer. In general, ladies should limit their alcohol consumption to one per day. Even modest quantities increase the chance of developing breast cancer. One drink equals approximately 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits.
Maintain a healthy weight:
Consult with a member of your health care team to determine whether your weight is healthy. If it is, strive to maintain that weight. If you need to lose weight, consult a health care expert. Simple steps might assist. Keep track of your portion sizes. Try to consume fewer calories. And gradually increase the quantity of exercise you undertake.
Become more active:
Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. So, try to move more and sit less. Most healthy adults should try to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week. Alternatively, attempt to engage in at least 75 minutes of strenuous aerobic exercise per week. Aerobic activity increases your heart rate. Walking, riding, running, and swimming are some examples of activities. Aim to do strength training at least twice each week.
Nurture with breast milk:
Breastfeeding your infant may help prevent breast cancer. The protective benefit of breastfeeding increases with time.
Stop hormone therapy after menopause occurs:
Combination hormone therapy makes use of both estrogen and progestin. It may increase the risk of breast cancer. Consult your healthcare provider about the risks and advantages of hormone therapy. You may be able to manage your symptoms using non-hormonal therapy and medications. If you determine that the benefits of short-term hormone therapy exceed the hazards, choose the lowest dose that works best for you. Have your health care team monitor how long you take hormones.
According to research, estrogen alone does not increase the risk of breast cancer in women who have undergone hysterectomies. Estrogen is associated with a slight increase in blood clot and stroke risk.
Give up smoking:
Some studies imply that smoking tobacco increases the risk of breast cancer. Breathing in another person's cigarette smoke can also increase the danger. If you or a loved one require assistance quitting, consult with a member of your health care team.
Can a good diet help you avoid breast cancer?
A good diet may lessen your risk of certain types of cancer. It may also lessen the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, or a stroke.
According to some study, those who follow a Mediterranean diet may be at a lower risk of developing breast cancer, particularly after menopause. The Mediterranean diet is predominantly plant-based. It consists of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. People who follow a Mediterranean diet choose healthy fats like extra-virgin olive oil to butter. They consume fish instead of red meat.
Does there exist a link between birth control pills and breast cancer?
There is some evidence that hormonal forms of birth control increase the risk of breast cancer. These include birth control pills and hormone-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs). However, the risk is very minimal. And it decreases once you stop using chemical birth control.
Consult a member of your healthcare team about your birth control alternatives. Your health care expert can assist you in weighing the benefits and hazards. The advantages of birth control tablets include:
- Managing menstrual bleeding.
- Avoiding unintended pregnancy.
- Reducing the risk of other malignancies, such as endometrial and ovarian cancer.
What other options do I have?
If you detect any changes in the appearance or feel of your breasts, notify your health care team straight away. Get a checkup if you see a new lump or skin changes. In addition, according on your medical history, consult your doctor about when to begin mammograms and other screenings.
Some people are more susceptible to breast cancer. This could be related to a family history of the disease or specific gene alterations. If your health care practitioner informs you that your risk is increased, you may be encouraged to take steps such as:
- Genetic consultation and testing.
- Breast examinations should be performed more frequently.
- Early screening for breast cancer.
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