L e t ' s T a l k H e a l t h
Don't smoke: In recent years, studies are examining the cause and effect of smoking and breast cancer. While the findings have been mixed, quitting smoking or not picking up the habit at all is best for a woman's overall health.
Breast Care
While there are several risk factors associated with developing breast cancer including age and just being a woman, recent evidence has shown that many of them are preventable. Key among them is leading a healthy lifestyle. Here are some ways to improve your risk profile.
Eat more fruits and vegetables: Research continues to show that a plant-based diet has a number of health benefits including protecting against breast cancer development.
Lyda E Rojas Carrol , MD
Breast surgeon
Putnam Hospital Center
Carmel, NY.
Vitamin D: Some studies have found that women with normal levels of vitamin D had a lower risk of breast cancer Vitamin D, which is produced when the body is exposed to sunlight or consumed from food and supplements, converts into calcitriol, a hormone found in breast tissue.
Exercise: Weight gain results in an increase in your estrogen levels that can stimulate cell overgrowth and breast cancer. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise at least five days per week.
Limit alcohol intake: An analysis of several studies showed that women who drank three drinks per day had 1.5 times the risk of developing breast cancer than nondrinkers.