Breast Cancer Prevention Tips

What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk of Breast Cancer?

CanCare is here to connect people facing cancer in need of emotional support with volunteer survivors who have had similar experiences, but what we really want is for less people to have to face cancer at all! Lifestyle changes have been shown in studies to decrease breast cancer risk even in high-risk women. The following are some tips to prevent breast cancer:

Limit Alcohol

The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of developing breast cancer. The general recommendation — based on research on the effect of alcohol on breast cancer risk — is to limit yourself to less than 1 drink per day as even small amounts increase risk.

Don’t Smoke

Accumulating evidence suggests a link between smoking and breast cancer risk, particularly in premenopausal women. In addition, not smoking is one of the best things you can do for your overall health.

Control Your Weight

Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer. This is especially true if obesity occurs later in life, particularly after menopause.

Be Physically Active

Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, which, in turn, helps prevent breast cancer. For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly, plus strength training at least twice a week.

Breastfeed

Breastfeeding might play a role in breast cancer prevention. The longer you breastfeed, the greater the protective effect.

Limit Dose & Duration of Hormone Therapy

Combination hormone therapy for more than three to five years increases the risk of breast cancer. If you’re taking hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms, ask your doctor about other options. You might be able to manage your symptoms with non-hormonal therapies and medications. If you decide that the benefits of short-term hormone therapy outweigh the risks, use the lowest dose that works for you and continue to have your doctor monitor the length of time you are taking hormones.

Avoid Exposure to Radiation & Environmental Pollution

Medical-imaging methods, such as computerized tomography, use high doses of radiation. While more studies are needed, some research suggests a link between breast cancer and radiation exposure. Reduce your exposure by having such tests only when absolutely necessary.

Can a healthy diet prevent breast cancer?

Eating a healthy diet might decrease your risk of some types of cancer, as well as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. For example, women who eat a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil and mixed nuts might have a reduced risk of breast cancer.

The Mediterranean diet focuses mostly on plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. People who follow the Mediterranean diet choose healthy fats, like olive oil, over butter and fish instead of red meat. Maintaining a healthy weight also is a key factor in breast cancer prevention.

Is There a Link Between Birth Control & Breast Cancer?

A number of older studies suggested that birth control pills — which often had higher estrogen doses prior to 1985 — slightly increased the risk of breast cancer, especially among younger women. In these studies, however, 10 years after discontinuing birth control pills women’s risk of breast cancer returned to the same level as that of women who never used oral contraceptives. Current evidence does not support an increase in breast cancer with today’s birth control pills.

What are Some More Breast Cancer Prevention Tips?

Be vigilant about breast cancer detection. If you notice any changes in your breasts, such as a new lump or skin changes, consult your doctor. Also, ask your doctor when to begin mammograms and other screenings based on your personal history.

If you do have or get breast cancer, you don't have to face it alone! Here at CanCare, our volunteers are here to make a connection with you and give you the emotional breast cancer support you need. We're here for you, so get the emotional support you need today, or contact us if you'd like to submit a prayer request for you or a loved one.

‍Source: Mayo Clinic