Breast Cancer: How to Reduce Your Risk
By Sara Butler
Breast cancer is the most common cancer identified in American women. The American Cancer Society reports that 12 percent of women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Although some women have an increased chance of breast cancer due to their genetics, some women can reduce their chances by making a few simple lifestyle changes. Here's how you may be able to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.
Maintain a Healthy Body Weight
Breast cancer isn't something only women can be diagnosed with -- men can get it too, although it's much more common in women. But this brings up an important point for both men and women, that maintaining a healthy weight helps to improve your overall wellness and health. Less fat also reduces the extra estrogen that it may trigger; lifetime exposure to estrogen has been found to increase the risk of breast cancer as well as other types of cancer.
So, make sure you're eating a diet full of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and fresh fruits and vegetables. A small increase in physical activity can make a big difference too.
Drink Less and Quit Smoking
Evidence shows that women who smoke have an increased risk of breast cancer, which is why it's important to quit -- not simply cut back -- if you're a smoker. Studies have also shown that reducing your alcohol intake can cut your risk of breast cancer, so limit the number of drinks you have to just one any time you drink.
Exercise
Regular exercise can be a challenge for some people to work into their schedule, but it's worth it. It's important to get a minimum of 150 minutes of regular exercise per week. The good news is that you can piece it together; the minutes don't need to be continuous to count. The overall strategy that works best is to simply be mindful to move your body more. If you want to join a gym or an exercise class, then go for it. But understand that doing simple things such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or going for a walk before dinner each night can have a positive impact on your health and wellness.
Living your life as healthy as you can is one way to reduce your risk of developing chronic disease -- so do your best!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Rowlett, Tex.