Nearly one of eight women will be diagnosed with some form of breast cancer in their lifetime. That’s sobering news. But there is also much hope. New medical advances to help prevent and treat cancer are continually being discovered—and they’re often better and more powerful than what exists.
It’s also become increasingly clear in recent years that adopting or maintaining a healthy lifestyle can have a huge impact your health. This includes building good habits regarding breast health in order to the risk of developing breast cancer.
Are you doing everything you can to keep your breasts as healthy as possible? Check out the tips below and find out:
- Stop smoking. It’s probably no surprise to find out that “don’t start smoking” and “quit smoking” are two of the most important things you can do for better breast health, overall health and to reduce the risk of breast and other cancers. If you don’t smoke or you’ve quit for good, you’re on the right track.
- Eat right and maintain a healthy weight. By eating more healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes and eating less red meat, highly processed foods and sugars, you’ll be making great strides in improving your overall health—which is also a win for improving breast health. If you need to lose weight, make sure you are taking healthy steps to do so. If you’re having a hard time doing it on your own, contact your doctor to find out what weight loss resources might be available to you.
- Get and stay active. Studies show that women who are physically active have a lower risk of breast cancer than women who are sedentary. Additionally, increased physical activity has been associated with a decrease in breast cancer in both pre- and post-menopausal women. Even women who increase their physical activity after menopause appear to have a lower risk than those who do not.
- Get a good night’s sleep—but not too much! Sleep allows your body to recharge and heal and is important for maintaining overall health. However, when you tuck in for your journey to the land of nod, try not to make oversleeping a habit. Some studies suggest that too much sleep may in fact increase the risk of some types of breast cancer.
- Be aware of possible environmental hazards. Are you or have you been exposed to toxic chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, secondhand smoke, air pollution or radiation? All have been linked to different types of cancer and could put you at greater risk of developing breast cancer. If you identify any of these dangers, don’t ignore them, and try to find ways to eliminate or reduce your exposure. Talk to your doctor or a member of your care team if you need help.
- Be aware of breast changes. Examples of changes you might notice include increased tenderness, a lump in the breast or armpit or a change in skin texture. Or you might experience swelling, shrinking, asymmetric breast size, inverted nipples or bloody nipple discharges. If you notice any of these signs, see your doctor.
If you haven’t done so already…
Discuss breast cancer screening (mammograms) with your doctor to make sure you are up-to-date. Depending on your age, family history and other factors, they will recommend a screening schedule that is appropriate for you.
Sources
- National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. The Breast Health Guide.
- National Cancer Institute. Physical Activity and Cancer.
- BioMed Research International.