10 Jul, 2024
10 Jul, 2024
This article is medically reviewed by Dr. M. Praveen Royal, Consultant – Surgical Oncology, HCG Cancer Centre, Vijayawada.
When the cells in the breast tissue undergo uncontrollable division to form masses of abnormal cells, it is referred to as breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among Indian women. Since men also have breast tissues, they can also develop breast cancer.
“How to prevent breast cancer?” is a common question asked by women when they see their doctors for general check-ups.
The internet is flooded with a lot of information on how to prevent breast cancer.
To address this topic once and for all, in this article, we are discussing the 11 best ways you can reduce your breast cancer risk, according to a breast cancer specialist.
Breast cancer awareness is crucial in a developing country like India, as not everyone has access to health-related education. Raising awareness on various aspects of cancer can help the masses, especially those in tier 2 and tier 3 regions of the country, identify different signs and risk factors of cancer and promptly seek medical attention when they think something is not normal.
Another reason why breast cancer awareness is important is that, lately, breast cancer is not a disease that is only diagnosed in women over 50. Today, there are cases of breast cancer in teens as well. Awareness is crucial in such cases, as it promotes timely diagnosis and treatment.
Breast cancer awareness leads to the detection of early signs of the illness. Spotting breast cancer early boosts the odds of making a full recovery. In addition, awareness of breast cancer also encourages one to understand the importance of breast care and take the necessary steps to improve their overall health.
Learning about different breast cancer prevention measures, its symptoms, its risk factors, and the treatment options available can help women put themselves a step ahead of breast cancer.
If you are in search of the best breast cancer prevention diet, here is something you should know. There are no foods to prevent breast cancer completely.
However, some food habits can improve your overall health, strengthen your immune system, and lower your breast cancer risk.
A diet that comprises balanced quantities of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants) can help reduce your cancer risk.
Consider filling your diet with fruits, vegetables, calcium sources, vitamin D sources, and antioxidants.
Along with eating healthy foods, you must avoid consuming foods that can lead to obesity. Some foods that you should cut off to reduce your breast cancer risk include processed foods, fried foods, sugary foods, red meat, etc.
Dr. M. Praveen Royal
Studies show that regular exercise can reduce the risk of breast cancer. It is also found to reduce the risk of recurrence in breast cancer patients who have finished their treatment.
It is believed that exercising can lower certain serum hormone levels and reduce inflammation, which can lessen the chances of breast cancer development.
It also prevents obesity, which is strongly associated with breast cancer development in women.
Performing exercise to prevent breast cancer can have a positive impact on overall health and help one keep multiple diseases at bay, including cancer.
Obesity and breast cancer have an interesting link. Excess fat tissue in the body can raise estrogen levels, which in turn can increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
In addition, women who are overweight typically have higher insulin levels. Some cancers, especially breast cancer, are associated with higher insulin levels as well.
A combination of healthy eating and regular exercise can dramatically reduce the risk of obesity and become one of the most effective ways to reduce cancer risk.
The connection between tobacco and cancer, especially lung cancer, is no news. However, there’s more to the story. The carcinogens present in tobacco are found to increase the risk of 15 types of cancer, and breast cancer is one of them.
Smoking also reduces the chances of survival for breast cancer patients. Therefore, it is important to quit tobacco consumption, or better yet, never pick it up.
According to 100+ studies, alcohol consumption, even at moderate levels, is found to increase breast cancer risk in women.
Alcohol consumption can increase the body’s estrogen levels, which in turn can increase breast cancer risk. You could significantly lower your risk of breast cancer by avoiding or limiting your alcohol consumption.
Studies show that pregnancy influences the chances of a woman developing breast cancer.
Women who become pregnant and have children before age 30 have a relatively lower risk of developing breast cancer in later life. However, getting pregnant after age 30 is found to increase the risk of breast cancer.
Pregnancy alters the breasts significantly, which may account for the protective effect on younger women. It is reported that breast cells are less likely to multiply and become tumors in these women.
Studies have found that breastfeeding can reduce breast cancer risk in women. However, the exact reason for this is not known.
One possibility could be that hormonal changes in a woman during nursing could delay the return of her periods.
Her lifelong exposure to hormones like estrogen, which are associated with an elevated risk of breast and ovarian cancer, is decreased as a result. This, eventually, is believed to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Studies show birth control pills or hormonal contraceptives can slightly increase the risk of breast cancer.
Hormone replacement therapy taken to ease menopause symptoms has also been found to increase breast cancer risk. The risk also depends on the duration of the therapy.
For more information on the breast cancer risk associated with birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, you should talk to your gynecologist.
Regular screening is touted to be one of the best breast cancer awareness tips. Self-breast examination, clinical breast examination, and breast cancer mammograms are various screening methods available for the early detection of breast cancer.
Self-breast examinations should be performed every month to look for alarming signs and symptoms, such as the presence of a lump, a change in size, a change in the color and texture of breast skin, abnormal discharge from nipples, and breast pain.
Mammography is a safe and effective screening tool for breast cancer. During mammography, your breast tissue is examined
Not all lumps are cancerous. Often breast lumps are benign and are caused by cysts and fibroadenomas. That said, it is important for you to not ignore these lumps and undergo a detailed evaluation to determine the underlying cause and seek appropriate care.
Dr. M. Praveen Royal
layer by layer using X-ray beams. This procedure helps catch breast cancer even before it starts showing symptoms.
Cancer screening for women plays a critical role in the early detection and timely management of breast cancer.
To alleviate menopause symptoms, particularly hot flashes, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is commonly recommended.
Estrogen is known to reduce hot flashes and other symptoms associated with menopause. However, taking estrogen alone can raise the risk of breast cancer. Therefore, hormone therapy is best avoided if you are in the high-risk category.
Exposure to radiation doesn't just increase the chances of developing cancer; it can also enhance the effects of other factors that contribute to breast cancer risk.
These factors include smoking, exposure to chemicals or chemotherapy drugs, as well as personal characteristics like age at exposure, gender, or reproductive history. It has been observed that the greatest risk comes from radiation exposure at a young age.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Indian women. It is also one of the leading causes of death in Indian women. So, it is not surprising that most women fear being diagnosed with breast cancer and experience immense distress during treatment. However, early breast cancer detection and timely breast cancer treatment can be effective in managing breast cancer.
Apart from the breast cancer precautions or breast health tips discussed in this article, you should consider being mindful of breast cancer symptoms, choosing the best cancer hospital, and consulting the right cancer specialist for your breast cancer treatment. These are a few things you can do to put yourself ahead of breast cancer.
PREVENTION OF BREAST CANCER - PMC
Breast Cancer Prevention: Current Approaches and Future Directions
Breast Cancer Prevention: Time for Change
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer: A call for action in high‐income countries with
Breast Cancer Screening (PDQ®)—Patient Version
Breast Cancer Screening - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
Author Bio : Dr. M. Praveen Royal
Consultant – Surgical Oncology
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. M. Praveen Royal is a seasoned surgical oncologist practicing at HCG Cancer Centre, Vijayawada, a single specialty cancer hospital in Vijayawada. He has six years of experience managing a broad spectrum of cancers, including breast cancer, head and neck cancers, GI cancers, lung cancer, gynecological cancers, and sarcomas, through various conventional and modern surgical approaches. He excels at performing both open and minimally invasive surgeries. Dr. Praveen is dedicated to providing holistic care, which not only involves administering medical treatments but also enhancing the overall quality of life for patients.
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