6 important steps to preventing breast cancer

Breast cancer is one of the fiercest ailments that a lot of women face today. In many cases, it turns out to be fatal as it is not detected in its early stages. But if one pays a little heed towards protecting one’s own health, simple steps can waive off the risk of breast cancer. In many countries, like ours, breast cancer awareness is very low.

Breast cancer is a difficult disease to fight but if taken care of well in advance, anyone can survive it. All it takes is a little effort and a cautious lifestyle! So, take a look at few best ways you can prevent the risks of breast cancer.

Avoid being overweight

In women, cancer becomes a bigger threat especially after menopause. Although, with today’s lifestyle changes the onset can be even earlier as well. Being obese or overweight increases the chances of getting breast cancer at that post-menopause age. Try maintaining a body mass index prescribed by a fitness expert that is according to your age, height and weight. Also, eat healthy and exercise well.

Breastfeed your baby

It is now a proven fact that those women who breastfeed their child for a longer time, lower their risk of getting breast cancer at any stage after that. Estrogen is a hormone present in women that can increase the risk of this cancer, but breastfeeding hampers its production in the body. Also, after a certain age, women who have had a family history of breast cancer can consult their doctors and ask them to prescribe estrogen blocking drugs.

Stay physically fit

Just maintaining a weight is not enough, you have to stay physically active as well to lower the risks of this disease. Regular exercising strengthens your body’s immunity system and reduces the risk of breast cancer by 10 to 30 percent. Exercise does not mean going to a gym or doing a strenuous workout, even a 30 minutes’ walk can do a lot of good for your body.

Stay away from alcoholic drinks and smoking

Having alcohol once in a blue moon will do you no harm as far as breast cancer is concerned, but for those who come with a family history of the disease should avoid it completely. Alcohol is also believed to increase the estrogen levels in the body. Also, quitting smoking not only lowers the risk of breast cancer but is good for your overall health as well.

Eat right and healthy

Some right kinds of food can prevent you from the risk of developing breast cancer disease. Foods like berries, pomegranates, fish, pluses, etc. are rich in antioxidants and many more vital nutrients that can help you to keep breast cancer risk at bay. So, know about these foods and include them in your diet.

Detect the symptoms, be aware

It is a well-known fact that by being a little aware of how your breasts feel and look, one might be able to detect the disease early on. Try to feel your breasts at regular intervals to see if you feel any lumps or something else that is unusual. If so, visit your doctor at once. It not necessarily means that the lump is cancer. And if it is, you will at least have the time to treat it properly and get rid of the disease for good. Also, keep a check on your family’s medical history.
So, what are you waiting for? Make yourself and those around you aware of breast cancer. And, share these healthy lifestyle tips with all the ladies aorund.