CANCER IS NOT ONLY A HEREDITARY DISEASE
Interestingly, heredity plays a role in only about 5-10% of cancer cases. This means that even if you don’t have a direct family history of cancer, you are not exempt from risk. It’s essential to be proactive in understanding other contributing factors.
Here are some actionable steps you can take to lower your risk.
DON'T SMOKE!
Let's be honest, smoking and even exposure to secondhand smoke can elevate your breast cancer risk by as much as 60%. Research indicates that tobacco use not only correlates with a higher incidence of breast cancer but also with poorer outcomes for those already diagnosed[1]. Thus, steering clear of smoking is paramount.
EAT RIGHT!
Interestingly, studies have shown that women consuming high amounts of red meat may have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Instead, a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables while low in saturated fats is advisable. This dietary adjustment not only helps in maintaining a healthy weight but also reduces the risk of obesity, which is significantly linked to breast cancer in postmenopausal women[2].
WERK IT!
Engaging in regular physical activity—aiming for at least 30 minutes of exercise four to five days a week—can reduce your risk of breast cancer by 30 to 50%[3]. This emphasizes the importance of staying active, as maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in physical exercise are critical components in cancer prevention.
PESTICIDES ARE TOXIC
This may be common knowledge, but many people are unaware of the cellular damage that pesticides can inflict. Exposure to certain pesticides has been linked to an increased risk of various cancers, including breast cancer, highlighting the need to be conscious of our dietary choices and environmental exposures.
JUST CHILL!
Stress doesn't just affect mental health; it can also compromise physical health by suppressing the immune system. Finding effective stress-relief techniques is crucial, as chronic stress can lead to adverse health outcomes, including a potential increase in cancer risk[4].
SIZE DOESN'T MATTER!
Interestingly, breast size itself does not influence breast cancer risk. However, obesity, particularly due to higher estrogen levels, is a significant risk factor[5]. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight is essential for reducing cancer risk.
MEN CAN GET BREAST CANCER!
While rare, men can indeed develop breast cancer, with approximately 1,500 to 2,000 new cases reported each year. Awareness and education about this issue are vital, as early detection can significantly impact outcomes.
“Support Your Mom, Wife, and Daughter”
References:
- Amelia Smith, Maeve Mullooly, Laura Murphy, Thomas Ian Barron, Kathleen Bennett. Associations between obesity, smoking and lymph node status at breast cancer diagnosis in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial.. PubMed. 2018.
- Swati Sucharita Mohanty, Prafulla Kumar Mohanty. Obesity as potential breast cancer risk factor for postmenopausal women.. PubMed. 2021.
- Z O Thomson, M M Reeves. Can weight gain be prevented in women receiving treatment for breast cancer? A systematic review of intervention studies.. PubMed. 2017.
- María Jesús Rodríguez San Felipe, Alicia Aguilar Martínez, Begoña Manuel-y-Keenoy. [Influence of body weight on the prognosis of breast cancer survivors; nutritional approach after diagnosis].. PubMed. 2013.
- Marianna Sarkissyan, Yanyuan Wu, Jaydutt V Vadgama. Obesity is associated with breast cancer in African-American women but not Hispanic women in South Los Angeles.. PubMed. 2011.