8 Ways to Reduce the Chances of Getting Breast Cancer

Breast cancer affects thousands of women today. It has become like an everyday disease and claims thousands of lives every day around the world.

There are no sure cut ways to prevent breast cancer, but there are ways in which we can reduce the risks in acquiring this dreadful disease:

• Keep your weight in check based on your BMI-Obese women are more likely to suffer from breast cancer. Studies have shown that women who still to their BMI’s are less likely to suffer from the disease. So cut those calories, exercise, do whatever it takes to keep your weight in check.
• Exercise-Physical activity is generally good for the overall health of the body. As a matter of fact most cancers are caused by lifestyle factors.You need not go overboard by taking up sports such as kayaking or mountain climbing, but instead go for a jog for half an hour a day.cancer is said to be caused by the increased levels of estrogen in the body. Exercise help reduce the levels of estrogen in the blood which in turn reduces the risk of breast cancer.
• Limit alcohol intake-Alcohol is not good for the body. True it lets you unwind after a hard day’s work, but it actually is quiet toxic and harmful. Limit your intake to one drink a day if at all you must drink. Drinking increases the risk of breast cancer.
• Eat healthy-A healthy diet can keep cancer at bay. There are certain foods that help fight cancer causing cells in the body. Avoid the intake of refined carbs, excessive sugar, aerated drinks and fatty food. Instead increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
• Say no to hormone replacement therapy-The intake of artificial hormones at the time of menopause or post-menopause may cause the increased risk of breast cancer. If you are suffering from hot flushes, excessive bleeding or any other symptom that you find hard to bear then opt for this therapy, but make sure that you do not consume these hormones for a long period of time. Continuous intake of these hormones can increase chances of breast cancer.
• Quit smoking and avoid second hand smoke-Smoking does not only increase the risk of breast cancer but it also is the cause for various other health issues.
• Research has proved that women exposed to second hand smoke are also posed with the increased risk of breast cancer. So if you haven’t stopped smoking earlier, you can do so now, with an added reason to quit the habit.
• Breastfeed your baby-The benefits of breast feeding are numerous. Not just for your baby but for you also. Breast feeding your baby prevents you from getting breast cancer. When you feed your baby, your body produces prolactin in the body, which helps in lowering the estrogen levels in the body.The more you feed the more you enjoy from the benefits of keeping cancer cells away.
• Examination-Examine your breasts every week to notice changes. Apart from self-examination, do go to a medical practitioner to make sure that you are not developing any signs of cancer.

So be aware and stay protected.