Tips to Reduce the Risk of Breast Cancer
- Post On : 29 Jul ,2024
Breast cancer is one of those adversaries that is affecting millions of women around the world. In fact, in some places, it is the number one cancer diagnosed among females. Individuals aged 40 or older have a high chance of developing breast cancer, which is very concerning. However, some people have a very high risk, while others have a very low risk since plenty of factors are at play. This includes family history, lifestyle, reproductive history, and exposure to hormones.
Individuals with a family history are likely to be diagnosed with the disease. Having children after the age of 35 or entering menopause after 55 can also increase the risk. Weight management and diet can play a major role. Plus, extended usage of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can also increase the risk of breast cancer. Even though eliminating the risk might not be possible entirely, there are ways to reduce it. Here are the tips to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
1. Limit Alcohol Consumption
Plenty of studies suggest that alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. The more alcohol you consume, the higher the risk will be. Females with one drink a day have around 7% to 10% increase in chances of getting diagnosed compared to individuals who do not drink at all. Likewise, having 2 to 3 drinks increases the risk by about 20%. Not just breast cancer, alcohol consumption also increases the risk of other cancers. This is one of those lifestyle choices that can have a significant impact.
2. Engage in Physical Activity
Many researchers have often indicated that frequent physical activity can have a significant impact on reducing breast cancer. They suggest getting 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise at a minimum every single week. Getting to 300 minutes will be ideal for the majority of individuals. Furthermore, it is also recommended to decrease the time spent doing sedentary things like lying down, sitting, etc. This is even more important for people who spend the majority of their working time seated. Additionally, do not forget to consult with the breast cancer health centre in QLD if required.
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Staying overweight or obese, particularly after menopause, results in an increased risk of breast cancer. Gaining weight as an adult can be problematic. After menopause, the majority of a female’s estrogen comes from fat tissue. More fat means a higher quantity of estrogen produced, increasing cancer risk. Additionally, overweight individuals are likely to have a higher level of insulin. Higher insulin levels are also associated with breast cancer.
In case you are one of those who are at a healthy bodyweight, try your best to stay there. However, if you are overweight, try your best to stay there. Work with a healthcare team and try losing some weight. There is evidence that losing fat can help reduce the risk of breast cancer. It is also a good place to start to get some other health benefits and stay healthy. Also, never ignore the warning signs of breast cancer. Take the required action as soon as possible.
Wrapping Up
Breast cancer has become way more common in the last few years than it was before. This is why it is important to be proactive about it as a woman. Follow the tips mentioned in this article to reduce the risk of breast cancer.