Fall is here and October is upon us. October 1st marks the first day of breast cancer awareness
month. Breast cancer is a disease that starts in the breast in which cells grow uncontrollably,
creating a lump in the tissue called a tumor. This has affected many women and men around the
world.
Breast cancer is found commonly within the female population but isn’t limited to this sex. Breast cancer
can oftentimes be genetic or happen abruptly. The point is there is no exception to the rule. This
disease doesn’t care what race, gender, age or political agenda you stand behind. It can happen to
any one of us. However there are ways to decrease the risk of contracting this disease.
- Avoid obesity: Obesity promotes more than one health issue but it also raises the risk
of contacting the harmful cancer after menopause. - Eat healthier foods: Eating healthy foods not only makes you feel and look better but it
aids in a healthier lifestyle. - Consistent workout routine: Having a good workout routine can help regulate heart rate
and extra fat in your body. According to the Fred hutch cancer center says it reduces the
risk by 10%. - Avoid hormone replacement therapy: “Menopausal hormone therapy increases risk for
breast cancer. If you must take hormones to manage menopausal symptoms, avoid those
that contain progesterone and limit their use to less than three years. ‘Bioidentical
hormones’ and hormonal creams and gels are no safer than prescription hormones, and
should also be avoided.” - Take an estrogen-blocking drug: “Women with a family history of breast cancer or who are over
age 60 should talk to their doctor about the pros and cons of estrogen-blocking drugs
such as tamoxifen and raloxifene.” - No smoking: Smoking can damage the lungs and encourage addiction. Long term
smoking of narcotics and tobacco can be a reason why women contract breast cancer. - Breast feed your babies: Women who breastfeed their babies for at least a year are less
likely to contract breast cancer. - Avoid alcohol: Drinking alcohol can encourage many health issues. Women should limit
themselves to one drink a day to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Citation:
“10 Tips for Breast Cancer Prevention.” Fred Hutch, 1 Oct. 2010,
https://www.fredhutch.org/en/news/releases/2010/10/10-tips-breast-cancer-
prevention.html.