How to lower your chances of getting breast cancer?
- Juliana Bistoquet
- Mar 29
- 2 min read
Breast cancer is a serious disease that affects predominantly women globally, although men can are affected in lower numbers.
Whilst October is the month when internationally awareness is raised about breast cancer and its prevention, for those affected the reality is felt all year round.
Which is why we wish to shed light on some little and well known medically proven ways to assist prevention of breast cancer:
• Limit alcohol. The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of developing breast cancer. The general recommendation is to limit yourself to no more than one drink a day, as even small amounts increase risk.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of breast cancer, especially after menopause. To maintain a healthy weight, you should eat a balanced diet and be physically active.
• Be physically active. Physical activity can help you prevent breast cancer by lowering your estrogen levels, improving your immune system, and helping you keep a healthy weight. Most healthy adults should aim for 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.
• Breast-feed. Breast-feeding may lower your risk of breast cancer by reducing your exposure to estrogen and other hormones. The longer you breast-feed, the greater the protective effect.
• Limit postmenopausal hormone therapy. Hormone therapy that combines estrogen and progestin may increase your risk of breast cancer. If you need to take hormones to manage menopausal symptoms, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits and use the lowest dose that works for you for the shortest time possible.
• Choose a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet may reduce your risk of some types of cancer, as well as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and healthy fats. Some studies suggest that a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil and mixed nuts may have a reduced risk of breast cancer.
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