Ways to Reduce Breast Cancer

As we embark into October, which is notably known as Breast Cancer Awareness month. We’ve been focusing on a myriad of BLOG topics regarding the subject. Our previous posts discuss the different types of breast cancer and the early signs of breast cancer. In this piece, we will discuss ways to reduce breast cancer and promote an overall healthy lifestyle. 

 

Exercise – It is advised to keep a healthy and active lifestyle by exercising routinely. Living a sedentary lifestyle can put stress on the heart, which is a vital organ for survival. The increasing cardiac activity can lead to increased circulation of blood to the body, leading to optimal health. 

 

Diet – Maintaining a healthy diet is always essential regardless if you’re cancer-free or not. Diet plays such a vital role in everyday life that you’d want to avoid food that can cause obesity. Obesity can lead to a myriad of health concerns, but it has been known to increase breast cancer risk. Unhealthy habits can lead to a downward spiral of the wrong choice of foods. Therefore it’s best to break unhealthy habits early because an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure. According to the American Cancer Association, a variety of vegetables, fiber-rich legumes (beans and peas), fruits in various colors, and whole grains are the best sources of nutrient-rich foods. It is advised to limit red and processed meats, high fructose beverages, highly processed foods, and refined grain products. 

 

Diet can be the most challenging aspect of a healthy lifestyle. Wellhaus can offer assistance in that manner by working one-on-one with a registered dietitian with a personalized diet plan. 

 

Don’t Smoke – Smoking, like an unhealthy diet, can lead to many health concerns. Smoking has been to increase the risk of breast cancer. It can lead to comorbidities such as heart disease, strokes, and hypertension. Not to mention bad breath and wrinkly skin. 

 

Family History – Determining your family history can be a great assessment tool to determine your risk for BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Genetic testing is now widely available to the public. 

 

Avoid HRT – Hormone- replacement therapies are usually given to post-menopausal patients; however, the medication involves increased hormones that could increase breast cancer’s potential risk. 

 

Screening- One of the most important things a person can do to reduce the risk of breast cancer is to get screening mammography. Early prevention is key regarding treatment. The more first cancer can be found, the more likely the successful outcome. 

 

LabFinder offers various medical tests with a secure patient portal that seamlessly integrates results from any lab or radiology imaging center in our system. Click here to book your mammogram appointment.