LIFESTYLE HABITS TO FOLLOW FOR YOUR BREAST HEALTH
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed every October. Every year, throughout the full month of October, a number of breast cancer-related charities and organisations come together to collect money for research into the causes, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of the disease.
Healthy behaviours are the first step in preventing breast cancer; you can reduce your risk by being physically active, drinking less alcohol, and eating nourishing foods. There are some aspects of breast cancer that you can manage and some that are completely out of your control, just as in everyday life.
Here are some tips for avoiding breast cancer:
Keep a healthy weight: Take action right away to enhance your diet. To prevent weight gain and reduce your risk of developing breast cancer, restrict your intake of sugar, eat smaller meals, and opt for lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Get more exercise: Maintaining a healthy weight, strengthening your immune system, and possibly even lowering your body’s oestrogen levels can all help prevent breast cancer. To reduce overall cancer risk, 150 minutes of exercise each week are advised.
Breastfeed your baby: According to studies, breastfeeding for a year or more can lower your risk of developing breast cancer. Breastfeeding mothers experience fewer menstrual cycles, which lowers oestrogen levels. While breastfeeding, they also tend to eat better and live healthier lives.
Consume alcohol in moderation: Compared to women who don’t drink at all, women who have three alcoholic drinks per week have a 15% greater risk of breast cancer. Each additional drink you consistently consume each day, according to experts, increases your chance of breast cancer by 10%.
Be cautious about HRT: Breast cancer risk is increased when hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is used after menopause. Make careful to discuss the hazards of HRT with your doctor, as well as if it’s appropriate for you.
The following is a list of possible risk factors to watch out for:
- Being a woman
- Risk increases after age 40
- Personal medical background
- Breast tissue that is dense
- Bad lifestyle choices
Breast cancer can be prevented by leading a healthy lifestyle, being aware of your risks, and getting checked frequently.