Breast cancer occurs when some breast cancer cells starts to grow abnormally and result in a lump or mass. Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that has developed from cells in the breast. The American Cancer Society predicted that in 2020:
- Around 276,480 of women (new cases) will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.
- Around 48,530 new cases of carcinoma in situ (non-invasive, the earliest form of breast cancer) will be diagnosed.
- Around 42,170 women are expected to die from breast cancer.
In women, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. (lung cancer is the first). It is estimated that 1 in 38 women will die from breast cancer.
The main factors that can increase the risk of having breast cancer are:
- Environment
- Not maintaining a healthy lifestyle
- Not maintaining a healthy weight
- Not following a healthy diet
- Genetics
- Getting older
Increased awareness about breast cancer can help to detect breast cancer early. It allows the patient to get better treatment, which reduces the risk of death.
People should be aware of the things that can be controlled by themselves to prevent or lower the risk of breast cancer. Here are some things you can do to reduce your risk of breast cancer:
- Eat healthy foods: It is important to avoid sugary beverages, fried foods, processed foods, and red meat and include dietary fiber and antioxidants, a variety of fruits and vegetables, and foods that contain healthy fat such as olive oil, avocado, nuts, etc. Your physician can recommend a proper diet chart for you to follow.
- Avoid consuming alcohol on a regular basis: Studies show that regular consumption of alcohol increases the risk of developing breast cancer. It is reported that alcohol consumption can lead to rising estrogen levels and can damage DNA (breastcancer.org). If your alcohol consumption is more than a drink a day, then you should stop or cut it down to lower the risk of breast cancer.
- Breastfeed as much as you can: Breastfeeding can help you to shed breast tissue, and this removes the breast cells with potential DNA damage, thus reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. It will also provides excellent health benefits for your child.
- Stay physically active: The American Cancer Society suggests that adults get 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity or 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or both combined each week. Regular exercise can lower the risk of breast cancer.
- Maintain a healthy weight: The risk of developing breast cancer will increase if you are obese. Having more fatty tissue can increase the level of estrogen and thus increase the chance of developing breast cancer. Also, being overweight can lead to higher insulin levels which is linked to breast cancer.
- Avoid hormone therapy after menopause: It is also known as post-menopausal hormone therapy (PHT). Women use this therapy to ease symptoms of menopause like hot flashes and sweating. It increases the risk of breast cancer. Women who choose post-menopausal hormones should do it for the shortest time possible. To take best decision about this, talk with your healthcare provider.
- Avoid smoking: Everbody knows the harmful effects of smoking. It lowers the quality of life and increase the risk of many diseases, including different types of cancer. Risk of breast cancer are higher among women who started smoking during adolescence.
- Avoid the use of birth control pills: Using birth control pills have both risks and advantages. Women who take birth control pills have an increased risk of breast cancer. If you stop using the pill, the risk is reduced.
- Screening mammograms: Women are advised to have mammogram screening starting at the age of 40 to detect cancer early when it is more treatable. If something is found in the mammogram, more tests may be needed to confirm whether it is cancer or not. Early detection improves the opportunity for better treatment options.
Women with a family history of cancer should take proper steps to protect themselves. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, and don’t forget to self-examine your breasts regularly. If you notice any changes, consult a doctor without any delay. Symptoms of breast cancer include pain, swelling, redness or thickening of skin. Following these stesps can lower your risk of developing breast cancer and improve quality of life.
