Women’s Wellness: What You Need To Do To Prevent Breast Cancer
Certain risk factors can’t be changed, such as family history but making certain lifestyle changes including limiting your alcohol intake and staying physically active may significantly decrease your risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer in your lifetime. These claims are backed up by research studies which indicate that lifestyle changes do lower the risk of nipple discharge and breast cancer even in women that are at high risk because of family history. If you have the willpower, resist the temptation to engage in some of the high-risk activities noted in this article, doing so may very well save your life.
Limit Your Alcohol Intake and Don’t Smoke
No one is saying you don’t have to live a little but everything in moderation is a sound policy for everyone. The fact is that smoking increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and at least fifteen cancers including breast cancer so don’t smoke. Simply put, the more alcohol you drink the more the chances of your developing breast cancer increase. Clinical studies show that zero alcohol intake is best but if you must drink, one glass of wine or spirits a day is recommended, as long as you realize that even small amounts of alcohol increase the risk of developing breast cancer. The best advice is to avoid alcohol consumption completely.
Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy Should be Limited
Make sure to talk with your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of hormone therapy because some combination hormone treatments can increase the risk of breast cancer. The professionals at BedfordBreastCenter.com can suggest alternative ways in which you may be able to manage your symptoms with medications and homeopathic, nonhormonal therapies instead, to minimize your risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. If after consulting with experts you decide that the benefits of short-term hormone therapy outweigh the risks, it would behoove you to make sure your doctor uses the lowest dose that works for you. Doing so will significantly reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.
Being Physically Active Helps Prevent Breast Cancer
A steady regimen of cardiovascular physical activity can help you to maintain a healthy weight. This is important because being obese increases the risk of developing breast cancer. Experts recommend that healthy adults exercise for at least two and a half hours a week. The physical activity should consist of moderate aerobic activity or at least eighty minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week. Doctors also recommend physical strength training, such as weight lifting, at least twice a week.
Being Overweight Increases Your Risk of Developing Breast Cancer
Eating a healthy diet might decrease your risk of some types of cancer, as well as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Studies have shown that women who eat a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil and mixed nuts might have a reduced risk of breast cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight has several advantages including significantly lowering your risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Reducing the number of calories that your body intakes every day and gradually increasing the amount of exercise you do will help you to shed any extra weight while maintaining a healthy body fat ratio that is proportional to your height. If weight loss is a problem for you, don’t stress, simply consult with icrmc.org which will help you to develop an effective strategy that will help you to lose weight.
Breast-Feeding Plays a Significant Role in Breast Cancer Prevention
Besides strengthening the bond between Mother and Child, breastfeeding has been found to decrease the risk of developing breast cancer. The benefits of breastfeeding a toddler are numerous for both the parent and offspring so it is highly recommended that a mother breastfeed her child as long as possible. Studies have shown that the longer a mother breast-feeds her child, the greater the protective effect against breast cancer.
Finally, prescription medicines can be used to help lower breast cancer risk.
Certain women at increased risk of breast cancer may benefit from Medicines such as tamoxifen and raloxifene and other drugs known as aromatase inhibitors. All of these medicines can have side effects. Therefore, it’s important to understand the possible benefits and risks of taking them. Ultimately, early detection is paramount to breast cancer treatment.
Early detection of breast cancer through screening exams allows for more treatment options. Your health care provider will then be able to prescribe the best treatment for you. In conclusion, early detection of any breast abnormalities will give you a better chance for survival.
