Write down these tips to prevent breast cancer

12 Oct Write down these tips to prevent breast cancer

Fear of a diagnosis of breast cancer is very common among women, probably because it is the most common type of tumor in women. It is estimated that one in eight women will be diagnosed with this type of cancer throughout her life. Therefore, all women should know some tips that can be useful in preventing breast cancer.

In fact, although there are risk factors that cannot be modified. Such as being over 50 years of age or family history, there are many measures that DO help reduce the risk of mortality from breast cancer and can even help us prevent it by reducing our risk. We tell you!

A Healthy Diet Reduces The Risk Of Breast Cancer By 30%

We know that between 30 and 50% of cancers could be avoided with healthy lifestyle habits. This implies not only quitting smoking but really changing our life habits. Also in relation to food and physical exercise.

According to a GEICAM study, supported by the Spanish Association Against Cancer. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (that is, one based on the abundant consumption of fruits, vegetables, and vegetables and low in ultra-processed foods), represents a reduction of 30% of the risk of breast cancer.

A Sedentary Lifestyle Increases The Risk Of Breast Cancer By 71%

It is important to combine a healthy diet with an active life. Since the risk of cancer multiplies with a high-calorie intake and low physical activity,  especially in postmenopausal women.

Precisely, another of the projects supported by the Spanish Association Against Cancer, and directed by Dr. Marina Pollán, determines how sedentary lifestyle habits, increased consumption of different types of fast food, overweight and obesity are factors that affect the health of the individual and population level.

These results reinforce the message of the importance of healthy lifestyle habits based on a healthy and balanced diet and physical exercise.

Breastfeeding Is A Protective Factor

Breastfeeding decreases the risk of breast cancer, especially if it continues for more than a year. This reduction in risk reaches 4% for every twelve months of breastfeeding. Even so, it should not be forgotten that this is a personal choice. And that not all women want or have the possibility of breastfeeding during childbearing.

There are different studies that could explain the ‘protective’ effect of breastfeeding on breast cancer. Some argue that the constant production of breast milk keeps the cells of the breast ‘busy’ and therefore decreases the likelihood of cellular disorders. It is also suggested that lactating women have fewer menstrual cycles; which is related to lower estrogen levels.

Is Breast Self-Examination Effective In Reducing Mortality From Breast Cancer?

When looking for information on how to prevent breast cancer. It’s still relatively common to find resources on how to perform a breast self-examination for suspicious lumps.

However, scientific evidence has been telling us for several years that breast self-examination does not reduce the risk of mortality from breast cancer; moreover, it can even be counterproductive.

How is this possible? According to the review of the prestigious scientific journal Cochrane Library. There is no evidence that breast self-examination has beneficial effects in screening; nor is it a method that helps reduce the risk of mortality from breast cancer. Furthermore, it could be leading to an increase in the number of benign lesions identified. And in the number of biopsies performed; can lead to emotional stress in many women who, when they suspect a lump, go to the doctor in fear. In other words, the chances of going through an unnecessary medical procedure are increased. And, of course, intense suffering fears derived from the uncertainty of a possible cancer diagnosis.

It Is Possible To Follow All These Tips And Still Get Breast Cancer

Unfortunately, just because the risk of breast cancer is reduced does not mean that the risk disappears completely. There are other factors that influence and that, as we said before, we cannot change: age, sex, and hereditary factors. But this should not discourage us from trying to prevent it. But rather make us aware of the next step we can take: detect it in time.

Participating In Screening Programs Reduces The Risk Of Mortality In Breast Cancer

Especially in the ages with the highest incidence (from 50 years). For this reason, from this age it is advisable to find out about the screening programs of your Autonomous Community; and attend mammograms as often as recommended by the program itself.

In cases where there have been several diagnoses of cancer in the family; especially if these have been in members of the first degree and at very young ages, it would be appropriate to consult with your reference medical professional for follow-up.

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