Various factors contribute to the development of cancer, including genetics, gender, environmental exposure to certain materials, and lifestyle choices
like diet and exercise.
While there are steps women can take to lower their risk of developing breast cancer, there is no way to completely prevent the disease. Even preventative surgical removal of the breasts, known as prophylactic mastectomy, cannot eliminate every breast cell, leaving open the possibility that breast cancer can develop. These strategies can help to lower breast cancer risk as much as possible:
• Limit alcohol consumption, or do not drink at all.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Breastfeed, if possible.
• Don’t smoke, as smoking is related to the formation of 15 different cancers.
• Engage in regular exercise, aiming for at least 30 minutes per day.
• Avoid hormone contraceptive products, particularly after the age of 35, and weigh the pros and cons of hormonal menopause treatment.
• Schedule and undergo regular mammograms.
• Speak with a doctor about your family history of breast cancer and take added precautions if there is a significant family history and/or genetic factors that make you more vulnerable.
Breast cancer is prolific. Although the disease is not entirely preventable, there are many ways for women to reduce their risk of developing it.
This story was written for the Think Pink advertising feature. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.
