A lot of people around the world are suffering from obesity. Obesity rates have increased exponential in last few decades. Obesity is a serious biological condition that increases the risk of a number of diseases, including heart disease and stroke, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, as well as cancers of the endometrium, colon and breast.
With the incidence of overweight and obesity increasing throughout the world, the number of women at risk for developing breast cancer has also increased. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, and is also positively associated with tumor size and a higher probability of having positive axillary lymph nodes and faster-growing tumors. Obesity is a risk factor, especially for postmenopausal breast cancer. Elevated circulating estrogen levels as well as local production of this hormone have been implicated as a primary growth factor in this relationship. There is also a growing evidence that obesity increases both the incidence and the mortality of many malignances.
But with awareness and few good practices we can surely beat this deadly disease. Let’s have a look at 9 simple steps of how we can lower the risk of breast cancer.
1. Control your Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is an important goal for everyone. Being overweight can increase the risk of many different cancers, including breast cancer, especially after menopause. So keep a check on your weight.
2. Exercise Regularly
Exercise is the best health mantra for everyone. Studies have proved that women who are physically active for at least 30 minutes a day have a lower risk of breast cancer. Regular exercise is also one of the best ways to help keep weight in check.
3. Eat Healthy
A healthy diet can help lower the risk of breast cancer. Try to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and keep alcohol at moderate levels or lower. While moderate drinking can be good for the heart in older adults, even low levels of intake can increase the risk of breast cancer. Also keep a check on your alcohol Intake.
4. Don’t Smoke
We all know how unhealthy smoking is. On top of lowering quality of life and increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and at least 15 cancers – including breast cancer – it also causes smelly breath, bad teeth, and wrinkles. Now that’s motivation to stay smoke-free or work to get smoke-free.
5. Breastfeed Your Child
Breastfeeding is good not only for your child but you too. Breastfeeding for a total of one year or more lowers the risk of breast cancer. It also has great health benefits for the child.
6. Avoid Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills have more disadvantages than benefits. While women are taking birth control pills, they have a slightly increased risk of breast cancer. This risk goes away quickly, though, after stopping the pill. The risk of stroke and heart attack is also increased while on the pill – particularly if a woman smokes. If you’re very concerned about breast cancer, avoiding birth control pills is one option to lower risk.
7. Avoid Post-Menopausal Hormones
Post-menopausal hormones shouldn’t be taken long term to prevent chronic diseases, like osteoporosis and heart disease. Studies show they have a mixed effect on health, increasing the risk of some diseases and lowering the risk of others, and both estrogenonly hormones and estrogen-plus-progestin hormones increase the risk of breast cancer. If women do take post-menopausal hormones, it should be for the shortest time possible. The best person to talk to about the risks and benefits of post-menopausal hormones is your doctor.
8. Early Detection
The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of beating it. Regardless of age it’s important to be breast aware as most breast cancers are found by women noticing unusual changes, taking the initiative and visiting their doctor. All women should be breast aware and women aged 50 and over are entitled to free breast screening.
9. Self Examination
Being breast aware simply means knowing what your breasts look and feel like normally, being on the lookout for any unusual changes and getting them checked out by your doctor. It’s as simple as FLC…
Feel and touch your breasts. Can you feel anything unusual?
Look for changes. Is there any change in shape or texture?
Check anything unusual with your doctor
For more information about breast cancer visit your nearest Apollo CBCC branch today or visit www.apollocbcc.com