The fear of a breast cancer diagnosis is very common among women, probably because it is the most common type of tumor in women. It is estimated that one in eight women will be diagnosed with this type of cancer throughout her life. For this reason, all women should know some tips that can be useful in the prevention of breast cancer.
According to different studies, we know that between 30 and 50% of cancers could be avoided with healthy lifestyle habits. This implies not only quitting smoking , but actually changing our lifestyles.
To prevent breast cancer it is recommended:
- Eat a balanced and high-fiber diet, which includes broccoli, chard, spinach, mushrooms, grapes, and papaya
- Reduce the consumption of sugars and fats
- Exercise at least 30 minutes daily
- Maintain a proper weight
- Avoid cigarettes and alcohol
- Perform a monthly breast self-examination starting at age 20, preferably on the fifth day of menstruation
- Request a mammogram from the age of 34, in case of a family history of the disease. If you don’t have them, it should be done every two years from the age of 40, and every year when you reach the age of 50.
A sedentary life increases the risk of breast cancer by 71%
It is important to combine a healthy diet with an active life, since the risk of suffering from cancer with a high calorie intake and low physical activity is multiplied, especially in postmenopausal women.
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Breastfeeding is a protective factor
Breastfeeding decreases the risk of breast cancer, especially if it lasts more than a year. This risk reduction reaches 4% for every accumulated twelve months of breastfeeding. Even so, it must not be forgotten that it is a personal choice and that not all women want or have the possibility of breastfeeding during their upbringing.
Breastfeeding decreases the risk of breast cancer, especially if it lasts more than a year.
Is breast self-examination effective in reducing mortality from breast cancer?
When we search for information on how to prevent breast cancer, it’s still common for us to find resources on how to perform a breast self-exam for suspicious lumps.
However, scientific evidence has been telling us for several years now that breast self-examination does not reduce the risk of mortality from breast cancer, but it is undoubtedly one of the fundamental procedures. Without neglecting the fact that annual medical examinations are mandatory for women over 40 years of age and for young women over 25 years of age it is essential that they visit a mastologist, and he is the one who decides on which dates it is advisable to have an appointment again.
It is possible to still have cancer, despite the recommendations
Unfortunately, reducing the risk of breast cancer does not mean that the risk disappears altogether. There are other factors that influence and that, as we said before, we cannot change: age, sex and hereditary factors. But this should not be a reason to discourage us, but to be aware of the next step we can take: detect it early. Remember that raising awareness is one of the fundamental steps.
Also read more about health related information visit Discover health tips blog.
