Posted by 1 in 20 women in Malaysia has a risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Men can get breast cancer too, but this disease is much more common in women than in men. While there is no definite way to prevent breast cancer, adopting healthy habits into your lifestyle can help lower your risk. While you can’t change certain breast cancer risks factors such a family history or aging, there are other means that you can control.
Some of the known factors that increase the risk of breast cancer include:
Lifestyle-related breast cancer risk factors
- High alcohol consumption
- Overweight or obese
- Not being active in exercise or physical activities
- Not having children
- Not breastfeeding
- Birth control
- Hormone therapy after menopause
- Breast implants
Breast cancer risk factors that you cannot change
- Getting older
- Inheriting certain gene changes
- Having a family history of breast cancer
- Having a personal history of breast cancer
Gain or retain at a healthy weight
Increasing body weight and weight gain as an adult are linked with a higher risk of breast cancer after menopause. It is best to stay at a healthy weight throughout your life and avoid excess weight gain by having a balanced food intake.
Be physically active
Moderate to vigorous physical activity can reduce the risk of breast cancer, so it’s important to take part in regular physical activity. At least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 74 minutes of vigorous intense activity each week is preferable to stay physically active.
Reduce or avoid consumption of alcohol
Moderate to vigorous physical activity can reduce the risk of breast cancer, so it’s important to take part in regular physical activity. At least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 74 minutes of vigorous activity each week is preferable to stay physically active.
For women with increased risk of breast cancer
Genetic counseling and testing
If there are reasons to believe that you may have inherited a gene change that raises the risk of breast cancer due to family history, you may consider consulting your doctor to decide if you should undergo any tests.
Close observation
It is important to take part in close observation, such as monthly visits to the doctor for breast examination and ongoing risk assessment. Start breast cancer examinations with yearly mammograms and breast MRI screening test.
Medications to lower breast cancer risk
Prescription medicines can be used to help reduce breast cancer risk, especially for women at increased risk of breast cancer. Medicines such as tamoxifen and raloxifene stops the action of estrogen in breast tissue. That being said, there will be side effects from taking these medications, so you will need to understand the possible benefits and risks of taking them.
Surgeries for women with high breast cancer risk
For women with a high risk of breast cancer due to gene mutation, surgery to remove the breast is an option. Alternatively, removing the ovaries which are the main source of estrogen in the body can lower the risk of breast cancer.
What other essential tips can help reduce the risk of breast cancer? Leave us your thoughts on the comment sections below. Head over to Jobstore.com and unveil your next job opportunity.
You Jing is a content writer who writes career and lifestyle contents to inspire job seekers and employers alike on their journey to work-life balance, empowerment and transformation in their career path.
Reach me at youjing@jobstore.com