Can Breast Cancer Be Prevented?

We are all guilty of making cancer awareness a seasonal affair, while it should be a daily habit. A pink ribbon season. However, an important distinction must be made: you can reduce some breast cancer risk factors, but you cannot guarantee that you will never develop the disease.

Some risk factors, like inherited genetic changes and age, cannot be changed. Notably, breast cancer can also occur in people who maintain healthy lifestyles and have no known family history. It’s all up to fate.

However, there are practical steps you can take to reduce certain risks.

Stay Physically Active.

Regular physical activity supports overall health. It also helps reduce breast cancer risk, especially after menopause. Luckily, you do not need an elaborate fitness plan or an expensive gym membership. Walking, dancing, swimming, and cycling can all contribute to an active lifestyle.

Maintain A Healthy Weight.

Excess body fat, especially at a certain age, is often associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Therefore, you need a balanced diet and regular physical activity that can support a healthy weight.

Limit Alcohol.

Sometimes, the dangers of alcohol are underestimated simply because it is socially accepted. However, alcohol consumption is associated with increased breast cancer risk.

According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, up to 6% of cancer diagnoses and 4% of deaths have been linked to its consumption. Therefore, avoiding alcohol is the lowest risk option. But if you must partake, limit your portions.

Understand hormone-related risks.

There are some forms of hormone therapy, particularly certain combinations of hormones, that can increase breast cancer risk depending on the formulation and duration of use.

Therefore, if you use hormone therapy or are interested in hormonal medication, discuss your individual benefits and risks with a qualified clinician. Please do not self-medicate.

Breast Feeding.

Anything that lowers your chance of getting a disease is called a protective factor. That said, according to the National Cancer Institute, having an early pregnancy helps. Women who have a full-term pregnancy before age 20 have a lower risk of breast cancer than women who are child-free.

Similarly, women who have their first children after thirty-five are at a higher risk of breast cancer. Consequently, breastfeeding for more than a few months after childbirth also lowers the risks.

Understand Your Family History.

When it comes to cancer, it is important to understand your family history. Find out whether close relatives on either your mother’s or father’s side have had breast cancer or any other type of cancer.

Tell your healthcare provider about relevant family history, especially if relatives were diagnosed at a young age or if several family members have had related cancers.

Notably, some people may benefit from genetic counseling or testing. Having a risk-associated gene variant does not mean cancer is inevitable. However, it can influence screening and prevention decisions.

Avoid Smoking.

Smoking is associated with several cancers and other serious health conditions. Avoiding tobacco and maintaining healthy habits are worthwhile steps for a long-term healthy lifestyle. It’s time to kick that bad habit to the curb.

Final Thought.

I wish there is a magic spell we could cast and make cancer disappear completely. Or a portion that would magically protect us from this disease, but unfortunately, all that remains a wish.

You don’t have to live in fear of cancer to take your health seriously. You simply need to be willing to pay attention, ask questions, and act when something doesn’t seem right.

Know your body. Recognize the changes and seek medical advice. Plus, encourage someone you care for to do the same. ♥

Photo by Leeloo The First on Pexel.