Breast Cancer Prevention Tips

Many of the risk factors for breast cancer are things we can’t control like gender (women have a much higher rate than men), age, and genetic factors. But there are some lifestyle habits that can help reduce risk. 

A healthy lifestyle that includes good nutrition and regular exercise is a good plan to lower the risk for any cancer. And, incidentally, exercise can lower the mortality rate for those who have already been diagnosed.  Below are a few other research based tips to consider as a part of your breast cancer prevention plan.

• Be sure your vitamin D levels are optimal. Research has shown that a deficiency can raise cancer risk.  Have your level checked as a part of your routine annual checkup.
• Speaking of vitamins-be sure you get plenty of vitamin A, which also plays a role in cancer prevention. Get your vitamin A by eating plenty of colorful fruits and vegetable.
• Avoid charring your meats-charcoal or flame broiled meat is linked with higher breast cancer risk.
• Women of childbearing age should breastfeed their babies if at all possible; research shows it lowers breast cancer risk.
• Avoid alcohol or limit yourself to one drink per day.
• Maintain a healthy body weight. Being overweight is a known risk factor for breast cancer as excess fat produces estrogen-which feeds some types of breast cancer. 
• Have regular checkups and mammograms according to your doctor’s recommendation.
• Maintain an awareness of your breasts, checking them on a regular basis for changes such as puckering, change in size, redness or swelling, nipple discharge, a mass or lump. Report these changes to your doctor right away. 

I have recently read about “mammogram parties” where a group of friends all schedule their mammograms together, then go out and celebrate afterward. Ladies, let’s all take care of each other and bring those breast cancer rates down!

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