Studies suggest that one in eight women is sure to be affected by breast cancer at some point of time in her life. A frightening statistic yes, but is there something that we can do to prevent it? Scientists have done numerous studies and researchers to study the causes and effects of breast cancer and, unfortunately, all the studies contradict one another. While some say that breast cancer is hereditary, there are some that spread urban myths like using deodorants or wearing black bras in summer to be the cause of this deadly condition. What really is the cause behind it? And how can a woman prevent this from happening? It is hard to pinpoint the actual causes of breast cancer but by learning to recognize any signs of alarm or symptoms, one can safeguard themselves from dire situations in the future
Be aware of any changes in your breasts
Regular examination of the breast is an essential factor for determining any symptoms of
breast cancer. About 20% of breast cancer cases are detected in this way. It is always better to get into the habit of self-examining your breasts every month to familiarize yourself with the way your breasts feel and look. Detecting breast cancer in its early stages helps in successfully combating the diseases without much risk. While self-examining your breasts look for any signs of dimpled or wrinkled skin or lumps in the breasts. Any changes such as discharge, inversion or rashes can be a sure sign of breast cancer as well. The best time to examine your breasts at home is a few days after your periods. This is the time when your breasts are least likely to be tender or swollen thus giving you a clear look and feel of your breasts. If you are menopausal and no longer get periods, mark a certain day in the calendar like the last or first day of the month to examine your breasts at home.
Avoid the use of contraceptive pills in your 30s
HRT or hormonal replacement therapy and contraceptive pills when combined pose a slightly higher risk of
breast cancer in women. It is advised by doctors that women should switch their oral
contraceptive pills with a non-hormonal ones like Intrauterine Contraceptive Device when they are in their 30s. Whereas, If you are older than 50, you should avoid hormonal replacement therapy. However, if you may still need it, it’s highly advisable to take the lowest dose for the shortest time.
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of cancer
Although it is not entirely clear why, but studies show that
breastfeeding actually reduces the chances of developing breast cancer. Doctors think it could be due to the ovaries not producing as many eggs as they often do when a mother breastfeeds or it could be due to the fact that the breasts get used to the changes that can lead to cancer. No matter, breastfeeding is beneficial not only to the child for their immunity but also to the mother for reducing the risk of breast cancer
Be physically active every day
Research shows that women who are more active every day have a lesser chance of getting
breast cancer. Studies have shown that just thirty minutes of exercise every day can cut down the breast cancer cases by about 20%, i.e. 9000 cases a year. This does not mean that you need to commit to a gym for increased physical activity. Try and incorporate exercise into your daily lifestyle. Just taking the dog out for a walk or doing something that gets you feeling warm, energized, makes your heart beat faster and breathing harder is enough to substantiate the change in lifestyle required for reducing the risk of breast cancer. If you are really busy and do not have 30 minutes to invest in an exercise regimen of any kind, you can simply break it up into three 10 minutes sessions and get the same results.
Say ‘NO’ to drinks and canned food
The inside of canned foods and plastic bottles is lined with a chemical called bisphenol-A, more commonly known as BPA. Although scientists disagree with the concentration of BPA that causes an increased risk of breast cancer, it is said that these BPA acts as ‘xenoestrogen’ in the body. Xenoestrogen acts like oestrogen which increases the risk of breast cancer. This is why you should avoid buying tightly packed meat from the chillers in the supermarket and say no to water or drinks from plastic bottles, especially ones exposed to sunlight. Always buy fresh fruits and vegetables and drink from bottles made of stainless steel or glass.
Broccoli blocks tumour
Did you hate broccoli as a kid? Mothers force their kids to have this cruciferous vegetable at the table almost every day but do they know about its benefits for their own body? While all vegetables, green leafy produce and fruits are good for the body, there are some foods which are particularly great for preventing cancer. Vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli help in combating cancer by blocking the growth of tumour in the body. Even vegetables like carrots that contain carotenoids are great for reducing the risk of breast cancer. Women with higher levels of carotenoids in their blood are at a lesser risk of getting breast cancer.
Limit the amount of alcohol
Studies suggest that women who tend to drink a lot are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Even small amounts of alcohol can put you at a greater risk for cancer and the more you consume alcohol the more is the risk of such conditions. Every year an estimated amount of about 3000 cases of breast cancer are linked with alcohol consumption. If you enjoy your wine on weekends or at the end of the day, limit your intake to just one small glass to reduce your risk of getting breast cancer.
Since no one can ascertain the causes of breast cancer, preventive measures should be taken. Research strongly suggests that breast cancer is avoidable by making a few lifestyle changes. Contact your doctor immediately for a mammogram and other tests if you detect even the slightest hint of getting lumps or other changes in your breasts. It’s always better to be safe than feel sorry. By taking care of your body through these tips and advice from experts, you can save yourself from the risk of getting breast cancer.
Studies suggest that one in eight women is sure to be affected by breast cancer at some point of time in her life. A frightening statistic yes, but is there something that we can do to prevent it? Scientists have done numerous studies and researchers to study the causes and effects of breast cancer and, unfortunately, all the studies contradict one another. While some say that breast cancer is hereditary, there are some that spread urban myths like using deodorants or wearing black bras in summer to be the cause of this deadly condition. What really is the cause behind it? And how can a woman prevent this from happening? It is hard to pinpoint the actual causes of breast cancer but by learning to recognize any signs of alarm or symptoms, one can safeguard themselves from dire situations in the future
Regular examination of the breast is an essential factor for determining any symptoms of breast cancer. About 20% of breast cancer cases are detected in this way. It is always better to get into the habit of self-examining your breasts every month to familiarize yourself with the way your breasts feel and look. Detecting breast cancer in its early stages helps in successfully combating the diseases without much risk. While self-examining your breasts look for any signs of dimpled or wrinkled skin or lumps in the breasts. Any changes such as discharge, inversion or rashes can be a sure sign of breast cancer as well. The best time to examine your breasts at home is a few days after your periods. This is the time when your breasts are least likely to be tender or swollen thus giving you a clear look and feel of your breasts. If you are menopausal and no longer get periods, mark a certain day in the calendar like the last or first day of the month to examine your breasts at home.
HRT or hormonal replacement therapy and contraceptive pills when combined pose a slightly higher risk of breast cancer in women. It is advised by doctors that women should switch their oral contraceptive pills with a non-hormonal ones like Intrauterine Contraceptive Device when they are in their 30s. Whereas, If you are older than 50, you should avoid hormonal replacement therapy. However, if you may still need it, it’s highly advisable to take the lowest dose for the shortest time.
Research shows that women who are more active every day have a lesser chance of getting breast cancer. Studies have shown that just thirty minutes of exercise every day can cut down the breast cancer cases by about 20%, i.e. 9000 cases a year. This does not mean that you need to commit to a gym for increased physical activity. Try and incorporate exercise into your daily lifestyle. Just taking the dog out for a walk or doing something that gets you feeling warm, energized, makes your heart beat faster and breathing harder is enough to substantiate the change in lifestyle required for reducing the risk of breast cancer. If you are really busy and do not have 30 minutes to invest in an exercise regimen of any kind, you can simply break it up into three 10 minutes sessions and get the same results.
The inside of canned foods and plastic bottles is lined with a chemical called bisphenol-A, more commonly known as BPA. Although scientists disagree with the concentration of BPA that causes an increased risk of breast cancer, it is said that these BPA acts as ‘xenoestrogen’ in the body. Xenoestrogen acts like oestrogen which increases the risk of breast cancer. This is why you should avoid buying tightly packed meat from the chillers in the supermarket and say no to water or drinks from plastic bottles, especially ones exposed to sunlight. Always buy fresh fruits and vegetables and drink from bottles made of stainless steel or glass.
Did you hate broccoli as a kid? Mothers force their kids to have this cruciferous vegetable at the table almost every day but do they know about its benefits for their own body? While all vegetables, green leafy produce and fruits are good for the body, there are some foods which are particularly great for preventing cancer. Vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli help in combating cancer by blocking the growth of tumour in the body. Even vegetables like carrots that contain carotenoids are great for reducing the risk of breast cancer. Women with higher levels of carotenoids in their blood are at a lesser risk of getting breast cancer.
Studies suggest that women who tend to drink a lot are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Even small amounts of alcohol can put you at a greater risk for cancer and the more you consume alcohol the more is the risk of such conditions. Every year an estimated amount of about 3000 cases of breast cancer are linked with alcohol consumption. If you enjoy your wine on weekends or at the end of the day, limit your intake to just one small glass to reduce your risk of getting breast cancer.
Since no one can ascertain the causes of breast cancer, preventive measures should be taken. Research strongly suggests that breast cancer is avoidable by making a few lifestyle changes. Contact your doctor immediately for a mammogram and other tests if you detect even the slightest hint of getting lumps or other changes in your breasts. It’s always better to be safe than feel sorry. By taking care of your body through these tips and advice from experts, you can save yourself from the risk of getting breast cancer.
