Breast cancer today tops the list of cancers with 182,480 new cases being diagnosed in American women this year, a 26% rise in US alone. According to medical science, it is “genetically predisposed” women or those above 50 years who are susceptible to this disease. While this fact remains indisputable, increasing lifestyle changes are also actively contributing to this growing population.
Breast cancer, by virtue of its prevalence, is read and researched extensively by women. Unfortunately, no degree of awareness prepares a woman enough to overcome the shock and muster courage to undergo the battery of tests, often a mastectomy and treatments that follow a diagnosis. There is no definite way to avoid breast cancer, especially if it is genetic. For others, a few lifestyle changes certainly bring down the risk.
Alcohol- Keep Your Spirits Low!
One doesn't have to be a teetotaller; moderate consumption of alcohol is permissible. 2- 5 drinks a day increases risk 1½ times compared to those who don't drink. American Cancer Society suggests limiting the amount to one drink a day.
Eat Right!
Most of us believe that only a high calorie diet often satiates our taste buds. But a diet made 80% of fresh vegetables and juices, whole grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruit provides enzymes which augment the growth of healthy cells in the body. Avoid coffee, tea and chocolate, which are high in caffeine. Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer-fighting properties. Moreover, eating right helps prevent obesity, also known to increase cancer risk.
Don't Just "Work", but "Work Out"
Researchers at the National Cancer Institute in the US proved that women participating in vigourous physical activity for just 30 minutes a day were protected against breast cancer by boosting the body's immune system.
Sleep Tight, Sleep Right
A recent study correlated lack of darkness while sleeping to increased risk of breast cancer. While it's not sure if this could entirely be true, there is no harm in sleeping soundly with all lights switched off.
Have Children Before 30!
Women who have not had children, or had them after 30, are more likely to develop breast cancer. The reason being, foetal cells take up long term residence in a mother's body and alert the mother's immune system to destroy cancer cells.
Breast Feed Your Children
Breast feeding decreases oestrogen levels, thereby decreasing a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. It is also known to cause physical changes in the cells that line the mammary ducts making them more resistant to mutations leading to cancer.
Get Screened
The biggest risk factor for breast cancer is being a woman and hence it is recommended that every woman gets a mammogram at least once in two years, specially after the age of 50. An early detection offers better treatment options and lowers the risk of death.
Avoid Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
HRT is known to alleviate postmenopausal symptoms. This is seen today as the primary avoidable risk for breast cancer and gynaecologists recommend HRT for as short a time as possible.
Living with breast cancer isn't easy. Coping with treatment side effects, restoring self image after surgery and battling the fear of recurrence can drain one physically and emotionally. With an alarming rise of this disease, it would do us no harm to exercise caution to lower risks. After all, it is best to prevent and prepare, rather than repent and repair!
