With October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, a multitude of women's magazines are discussing ways to diagnose breast cancer, symptoms to look for, and ways to minimize your risks.
According to Fit Yoga magazine, women really can lower their risks of contracting the disease. Here's how to keep the risk factor list lower:
- Lose weight. According to Glamour, women who gain 55 pounds or more after age 18 have a higher risk of breast cancer than those who maintain their weight.
- Limit drinking. Having more than one alcoholic drink per day may raise your risk of breast cancer, though one study claims that up to three a week is considered safe.
- Work out. Moderate physical exercise boosts your immunity and circulation. It can also improve the quality of life for those who are breast cancer survivors, as well.
- Eat healthy foods and avoid unhealthy ones, such as foods containing saturated fats and burned foods, such as charred toast or marshmallows. Keep lots of vegetables and fruit in your diet for a good mix of nutrients that will lower your risks for all types of cancer, not just breast cancer.
- Be aware of genetics. Let your doctor know about any history of breast cancer in your family, learn to perform monthly self-exams, and get regular checkups from your MD as well, with annual mammograms after age 40. (Those with a history of breast cancer in the family may receive a suggestion to start mammograms earlier.)
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