How to Prevent Breast Cancer

1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Take charge of your health and be proactive. There are a variety of things you can do to lower your risk of getting breast cancer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• KNOWLEDGE!
• INITIATIVE!

1. Consider Genetic Testing if your family history includes:
   
   Cancer in 2 or more closely related family members
   Cancers at an early age (before menopause or age 50)
   Male Breast Cancer
   Multiple cancers in one person
2. Look for unusual changes in the breasts with regular mammograms and self breast exams. Detecting any problems early on will ensure a better prognosis and options for treatment.
   
   Self Breast Exam- MONTHLY. If you aren't sure, ask your Dr. or Nurse how to check yourself.
   
   Mammogram-typically between ages 50-74- every 2 years. Every year if there is a family history or elevated risk factor.
   
   Clinical Breast Exam- Done at your annual check-up.
3. Although certain risk factors like genetics, age, race, and reproductive history can't be changed, there are several lifestyle changes you can do to reduce your chances of getting breast cancer.
4. Don't smoke. A 2002 study at Albert Einstein School of Medicine found that the more cigarettes women smoked and the longer they kept the habit, the higher their risk of developing breast cancer.
5. Cut back on alcohol. according to Natural Health, just 2 drinks of alcohol a day can increase your risks of breast cancer significantly.
6. Maintain a healthy weight. In 2002, The American Cancer Society estimated that 30 to 50 percent of deaths among postmenopausal women in the US may be attributed to obesity.
7. Exercise regularly. Walking briskly for a couple of hours every week can lower your risk of breast cancer. The more hours per week you spend walking, the more significantly you lower your risk. Also join a yoga class, buy a video or learn some poses and do it wherever you like.
8. Eat well. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Include these great cancer fighting foods in your diet:
   Almonds
   Beans
   Broccoli
   Soybeans
   Spinach
   Salmon
   Flaxseed
   Garlic
   Green Tea
   Olive Oil
9. If you are planning on having children and are undecided about nursing, know that breast feeding is not only the best nutrition you can give your child, it can also reduce your risks of breast cancer in the future.
10. Knowledge is power. Learn about the disease, your risk factors and what you can do to REDUCE your risk factors. My grandma died because she was too afraid to go to the doctor and get checked out. Her breast cancer could have been treated fairly easily if she had known much earlier.
11. Vitamin D. Studies are beginning to show that vitamin D may decrease the risk of breast cancer. Get some sun, however avoid excessive sun exposure. A safe way is to get your vitamin D from supplements.
12. Pain Killers. A recent study done by Dr. Victoria A. Kirsh, of Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, found that anti-inflammatory drugs like Aspirin and Ibuprofen were associated with a reduced risk of developing breast cancer.

Tips & Warnings

• If you ever suspect anything abnormal with yourself, go see your doctor. Don't be embarrassed, their job is to take care of you and answer questions.
• Men can get breast cancer too.