8 ways to prevent breast cancer

Almost everyone knows someone who is affected by the disease.

The treatments are constantly improving and we know more than ever how to prevent the disease. These eight simple steps can help reduce the risk of breast cancer. Not all apply to all women, but together they can have a great impact.

1. Keep the weight under control.

It is easy to disconnect, as they say, but maintaining a healthy weight is an important goal for everyone. Obesity can increase the risk of many cancers, including breast cancer, especially after menopause.

2. Stay physically active

Exercise is similar to a silver bullet for good health, and women who exercise at least 30 minutes a day have a lower risk of developing breast cancer. Regular exercise is also one of the best ways to keep weight under control.

3. Eat your fruits and vegetables and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

A healthy diet can help reduce the risk of breast cancer. Try to eat lots of fruits and vegetables and keep alcohol in moderate or low concentrations (one drink a day or less). While moderate alcohol consumption in older adults may be good for the heart, even a small intake may increase the risk of breast cancer. If you do not drink, you feel that you should not start. If you drink moderately, there is probably no reason to stop drinking. However, if you drink more, you should reduce or stop smoking.

4. no smoking

Smokers and non-smokers know that smoking is not healthy. In addition to reducing the quality of life and increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke and at least 15 cancers, including breast cancer, this also causes bad breath, bad teeth and wrinkles. That is the motivation to be smoke-free or smoke-free.

5. Breastfeeding, if possible

Breast cancer risk for one year or more (combined for all children). It also has great benefits for the child's health.

6. Avoid contraceptive pills, especially after the age of 35 or when smoking

Contraceptive pills have risks and benefits. The younger a woman is, the lower the risk. Although women take birth control pills, they have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer. However, this risk disappears quickly after the pill is stopped. The risk of a stroke and a heart attack also increases when you take the pill, especially if a woman smokes. However, long-term use can also have important benefits, eg. These include reducing the risk of ovarian cancer, colon cancer and uterine cancer, not to mention unwanted pregnancies. If you are very worried about breast cancer, avoid birth control pills to reduce the risk.

7. Avoid postmenopausal hormones

Postmenopausal hormones should not be taken in the long term to prevent chronic diseases such as osteoporosis and heart disease. Studies have shown that they have a mixed effect on health, increase the risk of certain diseases and reduce the risk to others, and estrogen hormones and estrogen plus progestin hormones increase the risk of breast cancer. When women are taking postmenopausal hormones, treatment should be as short as possible. Your doctor is best placed to discuss the risks and benefits of postmenopausal hormones.

8. Tamoxifen and raloxifene in high-risk women

Although this is not generally considered "health"

Behavior "take the prescribed medication tamoxifen

Raloxifene can significantly reduce the risk

Breast cancer in a woman at high risk.

FDA approved for breast cancer prevention,

These strong medications can have side effects.

They are not suitable for everyone. If you think it is you

If you are at high risk talk to your doctor about whether tamoxifen or raloxifene might be right for you.

Find your family history

Women with a strong family history of cancer can take special measures to protect themselves. It is therefore important that women know their family history. You may be at high risk of breast cancer if your mother or sister (especially at a young age) has breast or ovarian cancer, or if you have multiple cancers

Family members (including men) who have breast, ovarian or prostate cancer.

Despite some controversy, studies show that mammography screening for breast cancer saves lives. While this does not prevent cancer, it can help to detect cancer early when it is easiest to treat. For most women, regular mammograms can start at the age of 40, but the specific recommendations vary according to age and risk.

IF they are age of 40 to 44:

You can start an annual mammography. It is important to talk to a doctor about the risks and benefits of using mammograms at this age.

If you are between 45 and 54 years old:

Mammograms are recommended every year.

If you are 55 years or older:

Mammograms are recommended every two years. You can choose to have them every year.

Clinical breast examinations and self-examinations are not recommended. However, you must familiarize yourself with your breasts and notify a doctor immediately if you notice a change in the appearance or feel of your breasts.

Other important risk factors for breast cancer

Unfortunately, there are also a number of important breast cancer risk factors that women can not control. Knowing which of these applies to you will help you better understand your risk and do your best to reduce it. If you think you are at high risk, contact a doctor or other doctor. These can increase the risk of breast cancer in women:

• Older age, especially 60 years or older.

• Family history of breast cancer.

• first Mensarche rules before the age of 12 years

• Menopause aged 55 years or older

• First birth after 35 years.

• without children

• High altitude (5'8 "or more)

• dense breasts

• history of benign breast disease (such as atypical hyperglycemia).

8 ways to prevent breast cancer