Let’s be honest, no one wants to deal with breast cancer and just having the phrase can scare a lot of people. However, the conversations on how to prevent it, recover from it and continue to spread awareness are more than necessary.
Luckily, new age science and technology have better the conversation and with treatments continuing to get better, we know more than ever about ways to prevent the disease.
Check out these eight tips below that can help lower the risk of breast cancer. Not all apply to every woman, but together they can have a big impact.
1.
Find Out Your Family History
It’s imperative that you know your family history. If your mother, grandmother or sister have developed breast or ovarian cancer (especially at an early age) you may be at high risk of breast cancer.
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2.
Be Physically Active
If you want good health then it’s simple, you have to be physically active for at least 30 minutes a day have. This will help lower your risk of breast cancer.
Get up and get active whether that’s going for a walk, getting in the gym, doing yoga or pilates, something is better than nothing!
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3.
Don’t Smoke
If you were unaware, smoking causes at least 15 different cancers – including breast cancer. Outside of it being a yucky habit, it causes many other health risks.
Breaking the habit of smoking isn’t an easy thing to do but it is most definitely possible!
Getting help can double your chances of quitting for good: visit smokefree.gov or call 800-QUIT-NOW (in IL 866-QUIT-YES).
4.
Avoid Birth Control Pills
We understand not everyone wants kids or are ready for kids and many women take birth control because of this. However, birth control pills have both risks and benefits.
Women who take birth control pills, have a slightly increased risk of breast cancer. This risk goes away quickly, though, after stopping the pill. The risk of stroke and heart attack is also increased while on the pill – particularly if a woman smokes.
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5.
Breastfeed, If Possible
Staying on the topic of babies, if you are a mom or expecting mom try and breastfeed! Breastfeeding for a total of one year or more (combined for all children) lowers the risk of breast cancer.
Not all women have a positive experience with breastfeeding and can’t last a whole year, and that’s totally fine, you’re still an amazing mom. But if you’re able to do you’ll also provide great health benefits for the child.
6.
Drink Little Or No Alcohol
We all love to take some sips of alcohol here and there. That glass of wine when you come home from a long day of work is much needed from time to time. However, limit your intake of alcohol for a healthier lifestyle.
Alcohol use is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer so in other words take it easy and sip slow.
7.
Do Regular Check Ups, No Matter Your Age
There’s a myth out there that young women can’t get breast cancer. That is completely false. Breast cancer can strike at any age: 5% of breast cancer cases occur in women under 40 years of age.
All women should be aware of their personal risk factors for breast cancer.When breast cancer is diagnosed at a young age, it’s more likely to be aggressive and to spread quickly.
Stay on top of your health and check your boobs regularly!
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8.
Change Up Your Diet: Fruits, Whole Grains, Veggies
If you’re not consuming a high level of fruits and vegetables than you’re playing yourself! Vegetables, fruit, and whole grains are unparalleled sources of fiber, which may play a role in breast cancer risk reduction.
It’s simple, aim to eat a balanced mix of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, increase plant-based proteins, and decrease meat-based/animal proteins.
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