Breast Cancer Risk Reduction

Being diagnosed with breast cancer is devastating and painful, to say the least. Is there any way that women can eliminate or reduce some of the risk of breast cancer development? Some breast cancer causing risk factors such as age, genes and heredity, are not under our control. However, there are other risk factors, particularly those pertaining to unhealthy lifestyle habits that can be controlled and effectively reduced. With research studies concluding that 1 in every 8 women is at a risk of breast cancer development, it is imperative that women take charge of their lives and eliminate whatever risk factors they can to prevent breast cancer!

Yes, You Can Prevent Breast Cancer!

These six ways to prevent breast cancer will give you a head start in your efforts to eliminate your risk of breast cancer development.

Ways to reduce breast cancer risk #1- Breast feeding

Studies show that breast feeding may lower the risk of breast cancer. While the exact reason behind the reduced risk is yet unclear, some health experts believe that breast feeding allows the breast cells to mature and renders them less susceptible to cancerous mutations.

Ways to reduce breast cancer risk #2- Cut Down On Alcohol

Ladies, it’s time to exercise some self-discipline. The more alcohol you drink, the more you put yourself at a greater risk of breast cancer development. So no matter how much self-control it takes, you must limit yourself to only one glass of alcohol per day.

Ways to reduce breast cancer risk #3- Exercise

Walking, running, swimming, cycling, zumba, yoga or even some basic aerobic training- the choice is yours and yours alone! But remember that exercising regularly can help to prevent breast cancer. Engaging in regular physical activity not only keeps your system strong, but it also helps you to maintain a healthy weight which is very important to reduce the risk of breast cancer development.

Ways to reduce breast cancer risk #4- Watch Your Weight

Maintaining a well-balanced and healthy daily diet will help you stay safe from numerous debilitating diseases such as diabetes, heart problems and obesity. And while your diet may not have a direct link to affecting your risk of breast cancer development, excessive weight gain due to an unhealthy diet does increase the risk of breast cancer development. So ignore those junk food cravings and stop yearning for greasy, fatty foods. This self control will go a long way in keeping you fit and disease-free!

Ways to reduce breast cancer risk #5- Avoid Hormone Therapy

Long term hormone therapy increases the risk of breast cancer. If you have opted for hormone therapy to alleviate your menopausal symptoms ask your doctor for alternate methods to alleviate the symptoms. If foregoing hormone therapy is not an option, ask your doctor to administer lower doses during treatment.

Ways to reduce breast cancer risk #6- Eating Right!

Fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of natural cancer-fighting agents. Stock up on these delicious natural foods and consume at least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables daily, with a special focus on the foods that contain antioxidants such as strawberries and citrus fruits.