Empowering Women: Breast Cancer Prevention Tips and Lifestyle Changes

04/25/2024

 

Types of Breast Cancer

There are various kinds of breast cancer; some of the most common types of breast cancer are mentioned below:

Invasive lobular carcinoma:

It is a type of breast cancer where cancer cells initially develop in the lobules and later spread to the nearby areas in the breast. These cancerous cells may spread to other body parts as well.

Invasive ductal carcinoma:

It is a type of breast cancer in which the cancer cells start growing in the duct of the breast and gradually grow outside the duct and to other parts of the body.

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS):

It is an early form of breast cancer; it starts from the milk duct of the breast, making it malignant. It is non-invasive and hasn’t spread to other parts (in situ).

There are many other forms of cancer other than those listed above.

Possible Risk Factors for Developing Breast Cancer

Different risk factors may enhance the chances of developing breast cancer. Some can be prevented, while others can’t be controlled. The risk factors mentioned below cannot be changed.

Aging:

As women grow older, significantly above 50, they are more prone to this disease.

Genetic Inheritance:

Women who have inherited specific mutated genes (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2) are more likely to develop breast cancer.

Dense Breast:

Women with more connective tissue in the breast, as compared to fatty tissue, are more vulnerable to breast cancer. It’s difficult to diagnose a tumor in a dense breast mammogram.

Previous History of Breast Cancer:

Women with a history of breast cancer have an enhanced possibility of developing this disease again (reoccurrence).

Family History:

The possibility of breast cancer increases in women if somebody in the family has already encountered this disease, either from the mother’s or father’s side.

Possible Ways to Minimize the Risk of Breast Cancer

Other than the risk factors that are beyond our control, some aspects can be minimized with lifestyle changes. These changes help reduce the chances of developing breast cancer. Some of those are mentioned below.

Physically Inactive:

Females who are not physically active are more likely to develop breast cancer. The risk can be minimized by staying physically active and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle.

Excess weight after Menopause:

Older women who are overweight or suffer from obesity have higher chances of developing breast cancer. Being overweight not only increases the risk of cancer reoccurrence but also increases the chances of developing other forms of cancer. This risk can be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight.

Hormone Intake:

If you are taking birth control pills (oral contraceptive) or hormones (such as estrogen and progesterone), please take your doctor's suggestion about their possible risks.

Alcohol:

Some research suggests that women who drink excessively have more chances of developing this disease. It is advisable to cut off alcohol intake or at least take in limited quantities.

No Breastfeeding:

Women who avoid breastfeeding have higher chances of developing breast cancer. The longer a woman breastfeeds her child, the lesser the possibility of developing this disease. It is recommended that you should breastfeed for a little over two years.

Lifestyle changes that could minimize the risk of Breast Cancer

Exercise:

Regular exercise is beneficial for physical and mental fitness. 70 to 150 minutes of high-intensity workouts in a week could minimize the risk of breast cancer. Although there isn’t clear evidence to what degree physical exercise reduces breast cancer, it is believed that exercise minimizes the risk of breast cancer by 20 to 30%.

Eating Healthy:

Healthy eating is very effective in leading a healthy life; it has numerous benefits, including maintaining a healthy weight. A diet containing low levels of processed and red meat decreases the risk of breast cancer. Various processed foods containing added flavors are found to have cancer-causing agents. So be very watchful of whatever you eat. Taking a healthy diet and maintaining adequate weight reduces the risk of breast cancer.

Quit Tobacco and Alcohol:

Studies reveal that intake of alcohol enhances the risk of breast cancer and other forms of cancer, too. It is in one's best interest to quit drinking or limit its consumption to a drink a day. Even habitual heavy smoking maximizes the risk of breast cancer. Smoking also leads to various other diseases, so quit smoking as early as possible.

Early Pregnancy:

Women who get pregnant after 30 years for the first time have a higher chance of encountering breast cancer. Getting pregnant before the age of 30 and having multiple pregnancies lowers the chances of breast cancer.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT):

The use of HRT to relieve menopausal symptoms could increase the possibility of breast cancer. Its prolonged use increases the risk further. The combined HRT (estrogen and progesterone ) poses a higher risk in comparison to estrogen-only HRT. Seek suggestions from your doctor to understand the risks involved while on hormone replacement therapy.

Conclusion

Effective lifestyle changes start with one's desire and commitment to live healthily and disease-free. Regular exercise, healthy eating, and quitting smoking and alcohol can help you stay healthy and minimize the risk of diseases. Since the cause of breast cancer is uncertain, there is no defined way to prevent it. Leading a healthy life not only minimizes the risk of developing breast cancer but also increases the chances of battling cancer successfully. Other than lifestyle changes, various medications are available for breast cancer treatment. You may consider buying breast cancer drugs online in consultation with your healthcare provider.