Cancer grows when cells divide and spread uncontrollably. Changes in DNA can also cause cancer. Among all the types, breast cancer is the most common type found in women.
If you’re noticing abrupt changes in your breast and worried it might be cancer, stay with us. We have listed five things you can do to reduce or eliminate the risk of possible breast cancer.
Take a look.
What can I do to Lower my Breast Cancer Risk?
If it’s in the early stages, breast cancer can be avoided. Consider following the below tips:
1. Limit Your Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is associated with developing the risk of breast cancer even in young women. So, it is advisable to cut down your alcohol consumption to reduce the risk of having cancer.
Your drinking habits can affect your immune system. It damages the body cells and harms the DNA, which can lead to tumor formation. So, you’re allowed to have a maximum of one drink per day if you love drinking.
2. Maintain the Recommended Weight
A healthy body is the best precaution anybody can have. According to research, overweight women have a higher risk of breast cancer, specifically post-menopause. Staying in the recommended weight range can reduce the risk of breast cancer by a great deal.
Moreover, regular exercise of at least thirty minutes is good for maintaining a healthy weight and keeping your organs functioning optimally. If going gym does not fit in your daily schedule, you can start with exercises such as yoga, walking, dance, and home workout.
3. Your Diet Matters
A good diet can help you avoid cancer, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and other fatal body conditions. So, consider planning your diet chart wisely. You can also keep a record of your calorie intake. Having a healthy diet, including plenty of fruit, veggies, mixed nuts, and whole grains in your daily meal, can reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Moreover, studies reveal that carotenoid levels in the blood lower breast cancer risk. Many fruits and vegetables are enriched with carotenoids, such as yams, tomatoes, spinach, carrots.
4. The Power of Breast Feeding
Although cancer can happen to anyone, women who have their first child after the age of 35 or women with no child are usually more prone to breast cancer.
This is where breastfeeding becomes crucial. In fact, breastfeeding for a more extended period has a more significant protective impact. The more you do it, the more you reduce the risk of breast cancer.
5. Know Your Cancer History
Unfortunately, many cancer factors are beyond your control. If you have a family history of breast cancer, you should be aware of it because it puts you at a high risk of developing cancer at any age. In this situation, you can not rely on self-examination. It would be best if you went for yearly mammograms, which can detect cancer at an early stage when it is easily curable.
Moreover, watch out for any abrupt changes in your breast. Be alert about the below-mentioned signs:
- Any lumpy, hard, movable, or immovable knot, especially under your armpit.
- A sudden change in the size, color, and shape of a breast.
- Inflammation, soreness, or fluid out of the nipple area.
- Itchy skin around the nipple.
- Inverted or inward nipples.
- Skin changes texture similar to orange peels.
- Dimpling breast.
- Inflamed or bloated breast.
Final Word
When it comes to dealing with breast cancer, better be safe than sorry. Don’t ignore any warning signs because it may put your life in jeopardy.
Moreover, if you find any breast lump, fluid coming out of the nipple or discoloration of the areola, or sudden change in size or breast, consider seeing a doctor.