Breast Cancer Prevention Tips From the Experts
Invasive breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women in the US, and in 2021 it has been estimated that 281,550 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and 49290 women will be diagnosed with non-invasive breast cancer. These statistics are extremely alarming and ought to be taken seriously.
Here are 5 breast cancer prevention tips from the experts.
1. Go For Regular Checkups
While there are things you can do to reduce your chances of breast cancer, unfortunately, there is no way to guarantee that you do not get it. So, one thing that you can do to stay on top of your health is to go for regular checkups. Go to your doctor and make sure you visit a mammogram center such as https://www.bedfordbreastcenter.com/, so you know exactly what is going on with your breasts. By getting regular check-ups you have a better chance at catching cancer early if you do happen to get it. The importance of catching cancer early cannot be overstated, it significantly increases your chances of survival and treatment tends to be less aggressive at the start
2. Avoid Smoking
Smoking is commonly known for its link to lung cancer, however, it is also associated with an increased risk of other cancers such as breast cancer. Smoking comes with several health risks and if you are a smoker then quitting now is the best thing you can do to reduce your chances of developing breast cancer. If you need help quitting there are multiple online resources and support groups available. Joining a support group has proved to be highly effective as you are motivated to stay off the cigarettes with your fellow quitters.
3. Exercise Regularly
Research has shown that exercising regularly can reduce your chances of getting breast cancer by at least 10%. This does not mean that you have to hit the gym hard and every day, all it takes is to incorporate moderate exercise into your lifestyle. Making sure you go for a 30-minute walk at least 5 times a week is enough to help reduce the risk of breast cancer while also improving your cardiovascular health. Consider going for a walk on your lunch break or walking to and from work, even if you live a very busy lifestyle there are tips and tricks to make sure you are making time for your health.
4. Consume A Well-Rounded Diet
Another way to reduce your chances of getting breast cancer is to consume a well-rounded diet. Try to eat more fruit and vegetables, refined carbohydrates, and lean proteins such as chicken and fish. Red meat can be consumed in moderation but avoid eating it too regularly. Also, whole grains are a great way to make your meals more filling while still being healthy and packed full of nutrients. One thing that catches most people out is cooking with things such as olive oil, while these are fine in moderation, one tablespoon of olive oil contains 14 grams of fat, so be mindful of how much you are using.
5. Watch Your Weight
As people get older their metabolism naturally slows down and so weight gain is inevitable. That being said, it is important to watch your weight and make sure that you don’t fall into the obesity category. Obesity can increase the risk of breast cancer and so you should make an effort to control what you are eating and combine a healthy diet with regular exercise. If you are continuing to put on weight despite changes in your diet and exercise then it might be worth visiting a doctor for some advice and a check-up.
6. Reduce Alcohol Intake
There has been a lot of research into the effects that alcohol has on your body and what has been found is that frequent alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Having a drink here and there is fine, but if you find yourself drinking multiple glasses of red wine a night then this is not healthy. Not only will this increase your chances of breast cancer but it will also negatively impact your health in other ways too. If you are finding it difficult to cut back on your alcohol consumption, consider joining support groups or using online resources to help you.
These six tips come from the experts on the matter and if you want to reduce your chances of breast cancer then this is what you have to do. Take control of your health and make choices that are going to benefit you in the long run.
