5 Tips to Reduce Your Risk for Breast Cancer
Women who are concerned about breast cancer may be searching for ways to prevent their risk. Although some risk factors, like family history, cannot be altered, there are lifestyle choices that can be made to reduce breast cancer risk. These lifestyle choices include:
Limiting alcohol
The American Cancer Society reports that women have a higher risk of developing breast cancer if they have two to five alcoholic drinks a day. It is generally recommended that women limit themselves to less than one drink per day to reduce their cancer risk.
Controlling your weight
Carrying excess body weight around can increase your breast cancer risk. Women who have gained weight after menopause are at a higher risk, as most of the estrogen in their bodies comes from fat tissues. More estrogen= higher cancer risk. Losing weight may help to lower your risk, as well as help you live a healthier and happier life.
Staying active
Regular exercise is a great way to reduce your breast cancer risk. The American Cancer Society recommends receiving 150 minutes of moderate activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week for the most effective results. Regular exercise can also help to regulate hormones in the body, keeping the immune system healthy.
Limiting time spent sitting
The American Cancer Society has found that women who spend more than six hours a day sitting have a 10% greater risk of developing cancer than women who spend less than three hours sitting daily. If you work at a desk job, take time to get up and walk around throughout the day to break up your sitting time.
Avoiding hormone replacement therapy
In the past, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was used to help control menopausal symptoms. However, researchers have found that postmenopausal women should not take a combination of estrogen and progestin, due to a higher risk of developing breast cancer. For patients who do take HRT, it is advised that they stick to the lowest dose that works for them.
If you are located in the Boca Raton area and are interested in learning about the array of invasive and non-invasive procedures offered at our practice, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Dr. Jonathan Ross Berman is a Boca Raton plastic surgeon who has been certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery with over 30 years of service experience specializing in Breast Augmentation, Rhinoplasty, Face Lift, Liposuction, and many other types of plastic surgery in Boca Raton, FL.
