Breast cancer is a malignancy that starts in the cells of female or male breasts. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), breast malignancy is most common in women. The most common types of breast malignancy are ductal carcinoma, which starts in the tubes that carry milk from the breasts to the nipples, and lobular carcinoma, which starts in the glands that produce milk. Here are 10 tips to help you stay healthy and prevent breast malignancy:
1. Quit smoking
Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals that can increase your risk of breast tumors. If you smoke, quitting is the best way to reduce your risk. If you don’t smoke, avoid exposure to secondhand smoke as much as possible.
2. Moderate alcohol consumption
Drinking alcohol increases your risk of breast cancer. Based on research, doctors commonly recommend limiting yourself to no more than one drink per day. This is to prevent over drinking which can be a contributing factor to breast cancer.
3. Manage your weight
Being overweight or obese increases your risk of breast tumors. Keep your weight in check by eating a healthy diet and avoiding processed foods and sugary drinks. You are advised to eat plenty of vegetables and fruits to help manage your weight.
4. Get regular exercise
It is vital to get regular exercise to avoid the risk of breast malignancy. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of breast tumors to a large extent. Adults should strive to exercise for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobics and 75 minutes of vigorous aerobics.
5. Limit your exposure to estrogen
Estrogen is a hormone that can promote the growth of malignant breast cancer cells. Avoid foods high in estrogens, such as soy products and flaxseeds. You can also avoid environmental exposures to estrogen, such as pesticides. You can also limit your use of personal care products containing estrogen.
6. Eat a healthy diet
Following a healthy diet is one of the best ways to avoid the risk of breast tumors. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Lentils and beans are great to add to your diet to promote healthy digestion. Research shows that eating whole grains helps protect you against different types of tumors.
7. Limit your radiation exposure
Exposure to ionizing radiation, such as X-rays, can increase your risk of breast tumors. To limit your exposure, avoid unnecessary medical tests that use radiation. Be sure you actually need the test before getting it and exposing yourself to unnecessary radiation.
8. Breast-feed if you can
Breastfeeding provides health benefits for mothers, including a reduced risk of breast tumors. If you can, breastfeed your baby for at least the first year of life. The longer you breastfeed, the lower the chance of getting malignant growth.
9. Educate yourself about menopausal hormone therapy
According to the NCI, menopausal hormone therapy increases women’s risk of developing breast tumors. Hormone therapy combines estrogen and progesterone to relieve menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. The ACS recommends that women considering MHT discuss the risks and benefits with their doctor. Women taking MHT should continue to do so until they reach menopause and switch to another treatment if needed.
