Try to incorporate these recommendations into your routine and you’ll be on your way to not only reducing your risk of breast cancer but also living a more all-around healthy lifestyle.
Limit Alcohol
The more glasses of alcohol you drink per day, including beer, wine or liquor, the greater your risk of developing breast cancer.
Don’t Smoke
Research suggests a link between smoking and breast cancer risk, particularly in premenopausal women. In addition, not smoking is one of the best things you can do for your overall health.
Exercise
Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, which helps prevent breast cancer. It’s recommended that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. If you aren’t active, don’t be intimidated. Aim for walking at least 30 minutes a day and work your way up to more. Plus, strength training-with light weights or using your body weight-at least twice a week can help you build muscle that will burn extra calories.
Breastfeed
Breast-feeding may play a role in breast cancer prevention. The longer you breastfeed, the greater the protective effect.
Control Your Weight
Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer. This is especially true if obesity occurs later in life, particularly after menopause.
Limit Hormone Therapy
Combination hormone therapy for more than three to five years increases the risk of breast cancer. If you’re taking hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms, ask your doctor about other options. You may be able to manage your symptoms with non-hormonal therapies, such as physical activity. If you decide that the benefits of short-term hormone therapy outweigh the risks, use the lowest dose that works for you.
