Breast cancer is a disease characterized by the abnormal growth of cells in the breast. According to World Health Organization, in 2020, 2.3 million women globally were newly diagnosed with breast cancer and, 685,000 died due to it. Hence, the disease is rising fast among women. Breast cancer is also the commonest type of cancer in existence. Breast cancer is not a transmissible disease, and there are no known bacterial or viral infections linked to its development. Although there’s no exact cause of breast cancer, there are risk factors that can lead to its development which may include age, family history, gender, reproductive history, and radiation exposure, among others. October has been chosen to create awareness about this deadly disease.
5 Things You Can Do To Reduce The Risk Of Breast Cancer
1. Quit smoking and limit the intake of alcohol
While smoking can be harmful to the lungs, it also contributes to the risk of having breast cancer as the smoke from it can damage the human’s DNA. Also, the ethanol in alcohol breaks down to acetaldehyde which are carcinogenic in nature.
2. Weight maintenance
Obesity and overweightness can increase an individual’s susceptibility to diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and even breast cancer. Harvard Health explained that the fat that stays around the abdomen are fat cells that release their metabolic products directly into the liver. These active fats include growth hormones like estrogen, which may contribute to cancer development in the breast area.
3. Consume healthy diets
Unlike processed foods, eating fresh foods, vegetables, and fiber-rich foods improve the overall health of the body and prevent diseases like breast cancer. It’s essential to avoid foods like red meat or processed meats, high-sugar foods, and fatty foods. Cancer survivors have a medically aligned diet that helps them to reduce the risk of it resurfacing.
4. Breastfeed, if possible
Breastfeeding babies have been said to play a huge role in the prevention of breast cancer. The tissues that are being shed during breastfeeding may help remove cells containing damaged DNA from the woman’s body. Hence, the more you breastfeed, the more you get protected from breast cancer.
5. Limit post-menopausal hormone therapy
Post-menopausal hormone therapy (a medication that contains female hormones) can increase the risk of breast cancer when done excessively. When on this kind of medication, hormones like estrogen may cause excessive growth of cells which may turn cancerous due to different factors. Ensure that you see a qualified doctor before embarking on this kind of therapy.
In conclusion, being a female (especially if older than 40) is a high-risk factor. Hence, consider going for a mammogram or a breast check regularly and also practice self-examination before your appointment dates as earlier detection makes the treatment easier.
Also read: 5 Essential Things To Know About Diabetes
