Healthy Choices for Breast Cancer Prevention

Cancer prevention awareness and healthy lifestyle habits are not a guarantee that you will not get cancer, but they may help, so it is well worth being aware of habits you have control over that can affect your health. According to the National Cancer Institute, cancer prevention can lower the risk of developing cancer. Factors that people do have some control over include healthy lifestyle and nutrition.

Scientists that study breast cancer prevention look at risk factors and protective factors. Anything that increases the possibility of developing cancer is called a cancer risk factor. Anything that decreases the chance of getting cancer is called a cancer protective factor.

Some risk factors, such as pollution and poor diet, can be avoided. There are some factors, such as genetics and hormones, that cannot be changed. Being aware of which factors that can be changed and which cannot be changed is important. Focus on factors that can be changed, but be aware of the factors that cannot be changed.

Radiation to the chest area, such as from radiation treatments, can increase the risk of breast cancer, but may be medically necessary, so is not really preventable.

Cancer prevention measures that are being studied include changing lifestyle, eating a healthy diet, avoiding substances that cause cancer (carcinogens) and taking medicines to treat precancerous conditions.

According to the National Institute of Health, risk factors that that can be improved with healthy lifestyle habits include obesity, alcohol consumption, diet and exposure to cigarette smoke.

Obesity increases risk of breast cancer in women who are postmenopausal who have not had hormone replacement therapy. Overweight and obesity are conditions that are tough to correct, but a nutritious, low fat diet with plentiful fruits and vegetables can help to reduce the weight. Equally important to prevent or correct obesity is exercise and physical activity. Obesity Increases Cancer Risk

Alcohol consumption increases risk of breast cancer, with the level of risk increasing with higher alcohol use. Alcohol Increases Cancer Risk in One Million Women

Smoking and being exposed to second hand smoke increases the risk of all kinds of cancer. Do not smoke and avoid being around people who do smoke. Smoking Has Strong Link to Many Cancer Deaths

Exercise in a preventative lifestyle habit that can reduce breast cancer by decreasing hormone levels. Exercise can also help to reduce obesity, which is a risk factor.

Get adequate sleep and rest. Sleep is important to build the immune system and repair damage to the body an mind. Sleep helps to build a healthy immune system, important for fighting disease. Exercise and Sleep Help to Prevent Cancer

Eat a healthy diet to build the immune system, which is important to prevent disease. There have been many studies on the healthy benefits of eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which are great sources of vitamin, minerals, micro nutrients and phytochemicals. Fruits and Vegetables Can Fight Cancer

Focus on taking care of yourself. Women are often caretakers and sacrifice their own health as they focus on the people around them. Make your health and life a priority by practicing healthy lifestyle habits, which include a healthy diet, exercise and physical activity, adequate rest.

Resources:
Mayo Clinic Website
National Institute of Health

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