8 Simplest Strategies to Prevent Breast Cancer

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Being a mom life is not easy. Motherhood has twenty-four hours a day, seven days in a week responsibilities. These constant responsibilities put a pressure on our mental and physical health. As mothers, we tend to neglect our health unconsciously. Sometimes we feel discouraged with daily responsibilities of a job that seems never ending. Sometimes, we have pain, aches and headache but we did not put enough attention to them. Very often we know all the essential steps to taking care of ourselves but we wouldn’t be able to follow them. It is something that so hard to do at times and yet so vital.

 But this time, there should be “no excuse“. This month (October) we are celebrating as a “Breast cancer awareness month“.  And this is the perfect time to being aware; make a promise to you to take care of yourselves. I know definitely it is not as easy as sound. But it is an essential to know the Persil of this dreaded disease. Because we all know, proper education and early detection are the prerequisites that can save so many lives.

 Whenever we talk about the awareness, the first thing that comes to mind is usually the “prevention”. As we all know, “Prevention is always better than cure“. There are many factors over the course of a lifetime that can influence the breast cancer risk. Of course, some factors cannot be changed (such as family history) but there are many ways that can lower the risk of developing breast cancer.

 Here I am Sharing 8  simple strategies that can play a vital role in the prevention of breast cancer.

Understand the disease and being aware of known risk and protective factors

 The first step of prevention definitely requires understanding the disease and its risk and protective factors. Breast cancer is a disease where malignant cells form in the tissue of the breast. Unfortunately, it is the second most common cause of death (after lung cancer) in American women.

We should always try to increase the protective factors such as adopt a healthy lifest‌yle, maintain an ideal body weight, stress management and decrease the risk factors such as quit smoking and limit the alcohol. These tiny steps may play a vital role in the prevention of breast cancer.

Adopt a healthy lifest‌yle

Eat a healthy and balanced diet and exercise regularly is the basic key for a healthy body. A healthy diet can lower the risk of breast cancer. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains not only keep our immune system healthy but they also play a vital role in the prevention of breast cancer as well. Along with healthy diet regular exercise and be physically active is the must for a healthy body. Scientific studies suggested women who are physically active at least 30 minutes a day have lower chances of developing breast cancer.

Maintain an ideal weight

Of course, maintaining an ideal body weight is not always easy. But it should be an important goal for everyone. Being overweight increases the risk of different diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension…and breast cancer. So, do not forget to keep a watch on your body weight.

Limit alcohol and quit smoking

Alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing breast cancer. CDC (Centers for Disease control and prevention) strongly recommended do not drink alcohol or limit alcohol drink not more than one per day for reducing the risk of breast cancer. Not only alcohol consumption but there is a link between smoking and breast cancer. Quit smoking is the best thing which we can do to improve our overall health.

Breastfeeding

Definitely, breastfeeding is the most amazing and empowering experience for women when they start their motherhood journey. And the best part is that it might play a vital role in the prevention of breast cancer. It also has great health benefits for the child.

Limit the exposure of radiation

Some scientific studies suggest that harmful radiation can cause DNA mutation in cells. We live in a high-tech world. So we can not entirely avoid the radiation. But we can reduce the exposure by having high radiation tests only when they are absolutely necessary. We should also set strict time out for kids when they are using the electronic gadgets to limit the exposure of radiation.

 Limit the dose and duration of hormonal therapy

Combination hormonal therapy is recommended by the doctors to relieve the common symptoms of menopause. But unfortunately prolonged use of this therapy associated with the increased risk of breast cancer. It is best to talk with your doctors about the risk and find out if it is right for you.

Do not forget regular screening

Even though screening does not help prevent breast cancer directly but it can help in early detection of the disease and early detection is the must for better treatment. It increases the chances of survival and may increase the life expectancy. So moms, talk to your doctor about which breast screening is right for you and when you should have them?

Apart from these basic preventive measures the last but not the least important thing; find out your family history. If there is a previous family history of breast cancer or any kind of cancer in your family (including both mom and dad) then be extra careful. Genetic testing can be used for women who are at high risks.

This month (October) to celebrate the spirit of “Breast Awareness Month” we are seeing the signature color “Pink” everywhere. People are working to raise awareness of the disease in many creative and elaborative ways. And to contribute this great cause I had shared these simplest preventive measures to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Do you any other ways to contribute this great cause? Or do you have a story about how breast cancer has impacted your life as a parent? Please share with us.

Do you have a story about how breast cancer has impacted your life as a parent? We want to hear it! Join our October Breast Cancer Awareness conversation and share your story today.

Dr. Surbhi Prapanna

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

I am a homeopathic physician and mom of two lovely daughters. I love reading, writing, crafting and spending quality time with my kids.Although I had 5 years of clinical and teaching experience in homeopathy, but the most indelible experience of my life is being a mom of two cute dolls.