Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in women all around the globe. Quite a large number of females are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. The likelihood of developing breast cancer for an American woman is about 18% in her lifetime.
However, experts believe that some healthy changes in lifestyle can even reduce the risk factor to develop breast cancer in a woman. Certainly, this fact is well supported through breast cancer survivor statistical data that reports more than 3.8 million women who have either completed their treatment or are getting treatment.
Risk-Reducing Changes
Bringing about some positive changes in life can definitely work well to reduce the probability and risk of developing this serious condition. Though there is no sure way to prevent it, some healthy changes can surely bring wonderful results. So, let us go through some of these healthy changes in lifestyle.
1. Give Up Smoking
Both smokers and non-smokers are well aware of how injurious it is for health. Regular smoking increases the risk factor for many health conditions, such as some prominent cardiovascular issues and around 15 types of cancer, including breast cancer.
You need to help yourself go smoke-free. You may even opt for some less harmful means of smoking, such as vaping. Vaping provides the same experience as smoking but in a more reduced manner.
You might consider trying good vaping brands that ensure high quality. Besides, choose the best vape juice from various E-liquid flavors because it will help you stick to vaping and forget about tobacco cigarettes.
2. Avoid Too Much Alcohol
The risk of developing breast cancer increases to a greater extent with moderate yet consistent alcohol consumption. Consuming one serving does bring some benefits, but the harms are even greater.
Thus it is better to avoid and skip alcohol in all necessary ways. Alcohol is highly addictive, and it is hard to get rid of it. Women should not exceed more than one drink in order to avoid its harmful health impacts.
3. Try To Breastfeed
Women are encouraged to breastfeed each child for a time as little as six months and as much as one year. This can profoundly decrease the risk factor to develop breast cancer. Moreover, breast milk is extremely nutritious and vital to a child’s health and development. It also helps women acquire some protection against breast cancer.
4. Think Twice Before Getting Hormonal Replacement Therapy
Women generally take hormonal replacement therapy to treat the symptoms of menopause. However, studies suggest that taking hormonal treatment that makes use of a combination of estrogen and progestin profoundly increases the risk factor for breast cancer. Such therapy can also increase breast density and make the diagnosis of breast cancer more difficult.
It is better to consult with your doctor about other possible treatment options. Make comparisons of certain risk factors. In case if you are going for Hormonal Replacement therapy, make sure that you get it in the lowest possible dose that sufficiently works for you.
Also, ensure that you get such therapy for the shortest possible period of time. A woman enjoys the same risk factor just as an average normal woman after three years of discontinuing hormone replacement therapy.
5. Avoid Birth Control Pills
Women of childbearing age usually use birth control pills in order to avoid pregnancy. However, as the woman gets older, the risk for breast cancer tremendously increases with the use of birth control pills. Therefore, make sure to consult a doctor before making use of such pills.
6. Follow Healthy Eating Pattern
Healthy eating not only provides better nutrition but also works well in lowering down the risk of breast cancer. Managing a healthy diet can benefit health in numerous ways in both men and women. For example, experts think that a diet rich in vegetables and fruits can work well to reduce the risk for breast cancer.
One can reduce cancer risk through simple healthy nutrition. In addition, look to avoid processed food, red meat, packaged food, sweetened beverages, and refined grains. All of these make unhealthy nutritional means, rather look for simpler and natural forms of food that provide nutrition and help to keep you safe from serious health conditions.
7. Be Physically Active
Physical activity, by all means, is beneficial to health in both men and women. However, by staying more active, females can reduce the probable risk factor of breast cancer. Make sure that you are not living a sedentary lifestyle as it can increase the risk for breast cancer.
Engaging your muscles to break some sweat will not only keep you fit and active, but it will help to keep you in your best shape. One important way to overcome a sedentary lifestyle is to stay more active.
You are not required to join a gym or hire a fitness trainer for yourself. However, working out by yourself at home can work to bring required changes. A blend of moderate and intense workouts is also a good idea.
8. Stay At Healthy Weight
Staying at a healthy weight not only gives you good shape but also keeps you safe from major health issues, including breast cancer. Studies suggest that there is a strong connection between obesity and breast cancer.
In addition, weight management becomes even more important for women after menopause. After menopause, the body sources estrogen from fat stores in the woman’s body. With more fat reserves, the body gets exceeding levels of estrogen, which increases the risk for breast cancer.
Obese and overweight women generally have higher insulin levels which are again associated with increased risk for breast cancer, but diet and exercise can work well to help you stay at a healthy weight. If you are already at a healthy weight, then weight management is crucial for you.
Take Away
There is strong evidence that supports the role of healthy lifestyle changes in reducing the risk factor of breast cancer. It requires a little effort to bring about these healthy changes, and one can surely increase the quality of life.
