5 Effective Ways To Avoid Breast Cancer Risk
Introduction
Breast cancer is a fatal disease in which the abnormal tissue or tumour grows uncontrollably in the breast region. Tumours can eventually spread and invade other parts of the body, a condition known as metastasis.
A lack of awareness about breast cancer causes the disease to worsen and eventually leads to patient death. Breast cancer is also one of the top five cancers reported in India.
How can one avoid getting breast cancer?
Plenty of research has been conducted to find a robust way of preventing breast cancer. It has been linked to women’s overall physical health, diet, lifestyle, and sexual health. A study published in PubMed Central, for example, found that a low-fibre, high-fat diet contributes to breast cancer. Consuming a lot of fruits and vegetables, on the other hand, lowers the risk of breast cancer. Based on these studies, here are some of the most effective ways to avoid breast cancer.
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- Maintain a healthy weight
U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mentioned in their studies that obesity increases the risk of breast cancer. Overweight women have high levels of insulin in their bodies, increasing the breast cancer risk. Women who are obese after menopause are also likely to develop the disease. It is imperative that women maintain a healthy body weight to avoid this fatal condition
- Physical activity
Women should be constantly active to burn extra calories and produce the required energy. Physical activities like aerobics, cycling, or brisk walking for 15 minutes help achieve the same. According to research published in the journal PubMed Central, women who are constantly active or do heavy manual work are less likely to develop breast cancer.
- Reduce alcohol consumption
Alcoholic drinks, including white and red wine, have been associated with cancer. Alcohol consumption is associated with six types of cancer; Mouth and throat, Larynx, Esophagus, Colon and rectum, Liver, and Breast. Avoid alcoholic products unless it is intended for medical reasons with a doctor’s prescription.
- Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a crucial activity that protects women’s health in the long term. After delivery, the menstrual cycle is delayed during the lactational period, reducing women’s exposure to hormones like Estrogen, which can increase breast cancer risk. During this period, women shed excess breast tissues with potential DNA damage. World Health Organization has opined that women should breastfeed for at least six months to experience the full perks of breastfeeding.
- Avoid oral contraceptives
Women who use oral contraceptives are 24% more likely to develop breast cancer when compared to women who don’t. This is because birth control pills increase hormones that can lead to the development of breast cancer. So, it is better to avoid that and opt for birth control methods that don’t affect women’s physiology, like condoms or vaginal caps.
Did you know that a healthy diet and nutrition intake can help prevent cancer?
Check out the website of our Cancer Prevention wing, Healthepal, for more details on effective cancer prevention.