Breast Cancer can affect people of any age. Nobody really knows the specific cause for breast cancer. It affects the breast tissues. Breast cancer can be both invasive as well as non-invasive. Studies indicate that 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer all over the world. Women are at higher risk of getting breast cancer than men. There are increased chances if there is a family history of breast cancer. Change in lifestyle habits and conscious decisions are some of the key factors to keep breast cancer at bay. Breast cancer does not have early symptoms and hence regular examinations of the breasts are considered highly important. Below are few tips to prevent breast cancer.
Awareness is the key:
As with any disease, being aware of the disease, its symptoms, and ways for treatment and tips for prevention is necessary for any woman. More the knowledge one gathers, conscious will be the decisions to prevent breast cancer. A woman should look out for any warning signs in and around the chest area.
Breast feeding your babies is important:
Breastfeeding helps to flush out the breast toxins and protects the body against breast tumors. Since breast feeding or lactation reduces the levels of estrogen considerably, there is also lower risk of getting breast cancer when a woman actively breast feeds the baby.
Consume fresh fruits and vegetables:
Vegetables and fruits of the red, orange, blue, purple and yellow variety are found to have carotenoids, agents which combat the growth of cancerous cells.
Drink soy products:
Soy has photochemical that keeps the functioning and the cell growth normal and smooth. It also contains phytates and phenolic acid, anti-oxidants that fight against cancerous cells.
Exercise:
Studies shows that exercise and weight control have chances in reducing the risk of getting breast cancer. Body needs active movement and exercise is sure one of the best ways to keep the body healthy.
Flaxseed:
Flaxseeds have anti cancer properties called phytoestrogens which help in fighting cancer. They are rich in lignan, which protect the damage of the cells.
Get fit:
Studies suggest that women who are physically active and fit reduced the risk of breast cancer by 20 to 30%. Spending at least 60 minutes on exercise everyday is the best investment against any type of cancer.
Hormone replacement therapy:
ERT is used to increase the levels of estrogen in the body. Studies show link between the usage and ERT and breast cancer. It is recommended to use herbs and other natural remedies to help with menopausal symptoms than risking breast cancer.
Intake of walnuts:
Nuts such as pistachio, walnuts have omega-3 fatty acids, anti oxidants and other cancer fighting components. Two handsful of walnuts a day help to free radicals which are chemically reactive and contribute to degenerative disease such as breast cancer.
Jump start the intake of organic foods:
Pesticides, pollution and toxic substances found on vegetables and fruits have a major hand in increasing the risk of breast cancer. Organic produce have very low pesticides and toxins but have higher nutrient levels.
Keep the carbs right:
Switch to foods that have low carbohydrates such as low sugar fruit, nuts, seeds, low fat dairy products, legumes and whole grains to cut the risk of breast cancer.
Low fat diet:
One of the researches showed that the women who consumed low fat per day (up to 57 gms per day) had lower rates of breast cancer occurrence.
Mammography:
It is one of the vital tools in the early screening of breast cancer. It is recommended that women with no risk factors should get themselves screened every 2 years between the age of 51 and 74. Early detection reduces the mortality by about 20%.
Natural cosmetics and sunscreens
Cosmetics and sunscreens have significant amount of chemicals that disrupts the functioning of the cells. Go for chemical free and organic cosmetics and sun screen lotions and give a chance for the body to heal.
Old foam furniture
Old mattresses and furniture, that has old foam, contains Polybrominated diphenyl ethers. This chemical compound exhibits estrogenic properties. Exposure to such compounds in the long run increases the risk of breast cancer.
Positive outlook:
Keep out the stress, negativity and have a positive outlook. Surround yourself with cheery, happy thoughts and people also help considerably to keep the disease at bay. It forces to make good life style choice which indirectly cuts the risk factor.
Quit smoking:
Though controversial, research indicates that there is relationship between smoking habit and breast cancer. Exposure to toxic elements degenerates the cells thus giving way to breast cancer.
Radiation:
Unnecessary exposure to radiation is known to cause breast cancer. Radiations can be in the form of x-rays, CT scans, fluoroscopy and other radiological procedures. When such procedures are recommended, check with the medical personnel if they can extract the required information without the exposure to radiation.
Self check up:
A woman should self examine her breasts regularly (at least once a month) to check for any symptoms such as painless lump, pain, redness, swelling or any other unusual signs.
Toys:
The colorful plastic toys that are lingering in your home may have phthalates which disrupt the functioning of the hormones. Discard and never buy such toys and keep the children as well away from plastic toys.
Use stainless steel for cooking:
Aluminum is shown to mimic estrogen and is a risk factor for breast cancer. Cook in stainless steel pots and also avoid using deodorants that are aluminum-based.
Vitamin D:
Women who are Vitamin D deficient are at higher risk to get breast cancer. Consciously increase the intake of Vitamin D to lower the risk.
Watch your weight:
Estrogen production is more in obese women. They have higher risk of getting affected with breast cancer. Balanced diet supports losing weight which also lowers the risk of breast cancer.
Xenostrogen substances
Xenostrogen are a type of xenohormone similar to estrogen. These are used in drugs and contraceptive pills. Women need to avoid intake of such drugs to cut the risk.
Yes to sulforaphane vegetables:
Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts are rich in sulforaphane, a phytochemical which deactivates the carcinogenic cells. Up the intake of these vegetables.
Zinc consumption:
Zinc and selenium deficient women are at higher risk. Few sources of zinc are legumes, pumpkin seeds, mushrooms, wheat germ, alfalfa and parsley. Women can also take zinc supplements easily available in the market in consultation with the physician.
