How to help prevent breast cancer

Physical Activity

Women who are not physically active have a higher risk of getting breast cancer. Exercising 4 to 5 hours per week, moderately or intensely, reduces the risk significantly, especially in those who already have breast cancer. You can start slowly by walking a quarter-mile per day and progressively increase your efforts weekly. In time, you can reach the appropriate amount of exercise. 

Weight

Maintain a healthy weight. If your BMI (body mass index) is over 25, you have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. To lose weight, try and adopt a healthy lifestyle with diet and regular exercise. A healthy weight is subjective. You should talk with a professional and find out the best weight for you, according to your age, height, and exercise level.

Alcohol

The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of developing breast cancer. Limiting the amount of alcohol you consume per week is crucial. The best solution is to quit taking any alcohol. If you don’t’ plan to stop, try limiting it to 1 to 2 drinks per week. 

Smoking

Don’t smoke. If you do, quit. Smoking increases your risk of many diseases essentially. Various smoking cessation programs could help you at least start thinking about its discontinuation. Also, there are specific medicines you can try designed to help you break the habit. If you don’t want to take drugs, try holistic medicine or acupuncture.  

Breast Feeding

Breastfeed your children, if possible. Women who breastfed their children for more than a year had a lower risk than those who didn’t. Breastfeeding your baby or not is up to you. Just keep in mind that it is a procedure that protects both you and your children. Babies receive antibodies and become stronger against future viral or bacterial infections. 

Taking Hormones

Combination hormone therapy for more than three to five years increases the risk of breast cancer. Upon this therapy, women are more likely to present with an advanced stage of the disease. Menopausal symptoms may be challenging to handle. Before deciding to start on combination hormone therapy, talk with your physician. Be sure to discuss all the options available for you.