Breast cancer is the second-largest cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide, but there is still no sure-fire strategy to avoid it. Even so, there are obvious actions that women can do to lower their risk. The best time to take them is in October, which is recognized internationally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Women should keep a healthy weight throughout their lives, but especially in their midlife and older years. Most of the estrogen a woman has in her body after menopause comes from her fat cells. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing breast cancer, and estrogen can promote the growth of many breast tumours. Women who carry extra weight around their waist rather than their hips and thighs may be more at risk for breast cancer.
Support Your Pair! Your Health and Risk Can be Greatly Improved by Following These Cancer Prevention Tips
Maintain a Healthy Weight-
We do know that avoiding weight gain is helpful, whether you are overweight now or not. If you are overweight, decreasing even 10% of your weight will enhance your general health. For the majority of obese women, a good aim is to lose half a pound each week for 6- months. Beyond its effects on weight loss, exercise can also reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. Exercise is a habit that promotes breast health, according to many studies. There has been evidence that as little as 1–2 Hours of walking each week can reduce risk. Increasing your fitness program may help to further reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.
Drink Less Alcohol-
One of the most well-known dietary risk factors for breast cancer is alcohol. The risk of breast cancer in women who drank more than three drinks per day was 1.5 times higher than the risk in non-drinkers.
Carefully Weigh the Pros and Cons of Hormone Therapy-
Breast cancer risk can be raised by estrogen and progesterone-based hormone therapy. Only women without uteruses may take estrogen alone, but short-term usage of the hormone after menopause does not appear to increase the risk of breast cancer.
It is advisable to take the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time if a woman and her doctor determine that hormone therapy is required to relieve troublesome menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes.
Breast Health in Your 40s and Up-
As you age, you’ll notice physical changes. The glands that produce milk diminish throughout menopause or in the months leading up to it. Your bra size may increase as new fat tissue takes its place. Your breasts can start to droop more as well.
As you age, your chance of developing breast cancer increases, so discuss with your doctor when to begin mammography screenings. For women 50 to 74, most health organizations tell them every 1 to 2 years; still, others tell starting at age 40 or 45.
Regular mammograms (breast x-rays) let women get a head start on possibly life-saving therapy by identifying cancer in its early stages. Ask your doctor if you need extra screening exams, such as an MRI scan, if you have a higher than average risk of developing breast cancer.
Are you aware about your Breast Health? If no, then this is the right time to take care of your pair.