It is indeed true that breast cancer mostly affects women and can occur at any age. This might cause you to wonder how possible it is to live a breast cancer free life.
How can I prevent breast cancer?
There are no proven measures to prevent breast cancer altogether as many factors can influence your breast cancer risk. Some of the factors, you can't change such as being a woman, getting older or your family history.
But there are certain actions you must take to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. They are;
Routine mammograms: A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and the best way to spot breast cancer early for many women. The American Cancer Society recommends a baseline mammogram at age 35, and a screening mammogram every year after age 40.
Have a Clinical Breast Exam Yearly: Have your breast examined by a health care professional as this can identify lumps that mammogram fail to find. This clinical breast exams should be done at least once every three years after age 20 and every year after age 40.
Have a breast self examination every month. This helps you become more familiar with the feel and contours of your breast, helping you detect any changes.
Get enough exercise 30 minutes per day in a week.
For mothers breastfeed your children as much as possible.
Stay away from alcohol or take in moderation
Maintain a healthy weight
If your family have a history of breast cancer, talk to your doctor about it to find ways of reducing the risks.
If you are on hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills, talk to your doctor about the risks and how to reduce it
Overall staying healthy and fit throughout your life can reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. And if the breast cancer should occur, a healthy lifestyle improves your chances of surviving it.