When it comes to breast cancer prevention, there are certain risks you can’t control, like your age and your genetic makeup. But there are some breast cancer prevention steps you can decide to take on your own. Although these suggestions provide no guarantee that you will not develop the disease, they will help give you a start toward breast cancer prevention.
Here are some strategies that may help you decrease your risk of breast cancer:
Limit the fat in your diet. There is a slight decrease in the risk of breast cancer for women who eat a low-fat diet. Eating less fat may also help decrease your risk of other diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. Try to limit your fat intake to less than 35 percent of your daily calories, and restrict your intake of foods that are high in saturated fat.
Limit your consumption of alcohol. It doesn’t make a difference what type of alcohol you consume–wine, beer, or cocktails. In order to help prevent breast cancer, you should limit your alcohol intake to less than one drink per day or try to avoid alcohol completely.
Maintain a healthy weight. There is a strong link between obesity and breast cancer, especially if you gain the weight later in life, after menopause. Estrogen production in fatty tissue may be the link between obesity and breast cancer risk.
Stay physically active. Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and thus may aid in breast cancer prevention. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise, 4-5 days a week. Start your exercise program slowly and gradually work up to a greater intensity. Make sure you include weight-bearing exercises to help build lean muscle, which will help you burn more calories!
If you begin practicing healthy eating and exercise habits, you may reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.
Got a question for Nutritionist Natalie? Email her: natalie@lucilleroberts.com
