Breast Cancer Awareness- Prevention

October 25, 2022 By Marci

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It might be startling to know that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. It can be a scary thing. What steps can we take to change this statistic? One thing we can do, is focus on prevention. Breast cancer prevention really starts with healthy habits in all areas of our life. We understand that no particular food or activity will prevent it, just as no particular food or activity will develop it either. However, there are things we can do to lower our risk of breast cancer.

Get checked- This starts with knowing your body and paying attention to any changes or discomfort you feel, and be sure to communicate any concerns to your doctor. Make sure to get your regular mammograms and talk with your doctor about what you can do to stay on top of early detection.
Be physically active-Try to include exercise into your routine at least 3 times a week, or approximately 2 ½ hours of moderate activity. Consider that what you do throughout your day is also important. Opt for stairs instead of the elevator, stand instead of sit. Cleaning your home, working on the yard, or taking a short walk during a lunch break at work, can all add to your activity level, and keep you moving in a healthy way.
Limit your alcohol intake- This doesn’t mean you need to stop drinking, it just means that moderation is optimal. It’s recommended to have no more than 1 drink a day.
Eat healthy- Certain vitamins and minerals can reduce your risk. Dark leafy greens, berries, citrus fruits, fermented foods, fatty fish like salmon, and allium vegetables (if you’re not familiar- this includes garlic, chives, leeks, onions, scallions, shallots), beans, spices and herbs (cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, cayenne, ginger, oregano, parsley, thyme), and cruciferous vegetables (like arugula, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, bok choy, radishes), pomegranate, and green tea.
Add supplements- to your routine that might be difficult to keep in your daily diet. This includes supplements like Omega-3-Fatty Accids, Turmeric, Green Tea, and Vitamin D.

Regardless of all the above tips, be sure to stay in close communication with those you care about and allow them to be your support system for your health, no matter what you may be going through or experiencing.

References:

https://lompocvmc.com/blog/124-healthy-living/1884-11-healthy-foods-that-reduce-breast-cancer-risk

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316720#takeaway