If you are worried about getting breast cancer, you could perhaps wonder how to prevent breast cancer or if there are any actions you can take that can help in breast cancer prevention. A few risk factors, including family history, are unavoidable. There are, however, lifestyle modifications that you can implement to reduce your risk developing this condition. Let us know more about this.
According to research, lifestyle changes can lower the possibility of getting a breast tumour, even in high-risk women. To reduce your risk, you can follow these steps:
Limit Alcohol Consumption
The more you drink, the more likely you are to develop breast cancer. According to studies investigating the impact of alcohol on breast tumour risks, the general recommendation is to limit yourself to one drink per day, as even modest quantities increase the risk of breast cancer.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Maintain a healthy weight. If you require assistance to lose weight, speak to your physician about healthy methods to do so. Lower your daily calorie intake while steadily increasing your physical exercises.
Engage in Some Physical Activity
Physical activity can assist you in keeping your weight in check, which helps in the prevention of breast cancer. Most healthy individuals should target a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate cardio exercise a week or 75 minutes of intense cardio activity a week, plus strength training for at least twice a week.
Breast-Feed
Breastfeeding may help prevent breast cancer. The longer you breastfeed, the more protective the effect.
Limit the Use of Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy
The breast cancer risk may increase by combination hormonal therapy. Discuss the downsides and advantages of hormone replacement therapy with your doctor. Nonhormonal treatments and medications may be able to manage your symptoms. If you make a choice that the advantages of short-term hormonal treatment are greater than the risks, start with the lowest effective dose that works for you and continue having your doctor monitor how long you are taking hormones.
Regular Health Screenings
Regular breast cancer screenings are also important for the early detection and prevention of breast tumours. Mammograms constitute the most useful screening tool for the early detection of breast cancer. Experts advise starting routine mammogram screening at the age of 50 years; however, according to some experts, mammograms should be started at the age of 40 years or earlier, especially when there is a breast cancer family history. Discuss with your doctor when you should undergo your initial mammogram.
Consider Treatments to Lower the Risk
Besides lifestyle factors, some women who are predisposed to breast tumours may benefit from medicines or preventive surgery. Women with a family history of breast cancer, for example, may be advised to take raloxifene or tamoxifen to help lower their chance of getting the illness. For women who are at a high risk of developing breast cancer, preventive surgery such as a mastectomy may be recommended.
A Note From Livlong
In conclusion, breast cancer prevention necessitates a multifaceted strategy that involves healthy lifestyle habits, regular screenings, and personalised preventive measures for those who are at a high risk. Women who have breast pain, cysts in breasts, or tumours should seek medical attention immediately and consult with a breast cancer specialist or breast cancer hospital. Prioritising breast care and being proactive in breast cancer prevention is critical and can help avoid breast cancer surgery in the future.
