While there is no cure for breast cancer, I think it is important that women know and understand what they can do to lower their chances of getting the disease. After losing my grandmother last year to the cancer, I now pay even more attention to topics such as prevention and risk factors. Shape.com put out an article titled ‘Lower Your Breast Cancer Risk’ and it includes 4 healthy breast habits that all women should be aware of.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Women who are overweight have a higher chance of being diagnosed with the cancer, in addition to being more at risk to recurrence and morality. Exercising on a regular basis will not only keep your weight in check, but can drop your risk up to 50% if you exercise vigorously for three to four hours a week.
- Eat a balanced diet. Not only will eating healthy in general give you health benefits, but there are certain foods that can lower your risk of cancer by 20%. Those include foods rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, such as carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes. Vitamin D and calcium are another strong source, found in fish, such as salmon, trout, sardines, milk, yogurt, cheese and vegetables like broccoli and kale.
- Examine yourself. While an annual checkup may be unpleasant and dreaded, it is important for women to go. The doctor will perform a breast examination, looking for any abnormalities including lumps that could require further testing. But you cannot just count on that one time a year exam. Women should perform monthly self breast exams as well, generally the best time being the week after your period. This is the time frame where there is less estrogen stimulation, so breasts are not lumpy or tender.
- Know your breasts. You’re the one that knows your breasts the best, so you will be able to tell if there is a change or any abnormalities that are occurring. Shape recommends going to a doctor if you find swollen lymph nodes, changes in nipples, or if skin turns a color.
Source: Shape.com
