By Don Munn
Breast cancer is the most common cause of death among women age 40 and above. While it's certainly affecting more women than men, the extent of damage both in physical and emotional aspects is fairly the same.
Here are some ways to reduce your risk of breast cancer:
1. Know your family history
Having knowledge of the types of health conditions that run in your family pays off. Individuals with a family history of breast cancer are more predisposed to acquire one than those who have none.
2. Early screening
The prognosis for breast cancer depends on its stage and when the disease has been diagnosed. The earlier its detection and treatment, the better is the outcome. Women, most especially, should undergo mammogram and clinical breast exam regularly. In addition to that, women in their 20s should learn how to do self-breast exam. If you feel any lump or any other unusual changes in your breast, consult your doctor immediately. Don't wait for things to go worse.
3. Quit smoking
Some studies suggest that smoking increases the risk of breast cancer.
4. Change your eating habit
Carcinogens are substances that increase your risk of acquiring cancer. These can be found in processed foods such as canned goods, hot dogs, ham, sausages, and other foods that have preservatives in them. Fat from meats also increases one's predisposition to breast cancer.
Cancer in general may be affected by various factors but cutting down your intake on these items can be a great help to reduce your risk.
5. Hit your bed
Studies suggest a link between lack of sleep and breast cancer. According to them, those who sleep less than 6 hours every night are more likely to have breast cancer. This has something to do with melatonin, the hormone produced by the brain during sleep. It turns out that melatonin helps suppress estrogen release. The latter is a hormone that affects the development of malignant cells.
Don Munn is an expert writer on various fields which include health and fitness, technology, and food and drinks. He also specializes on maintaining good indoor ventilation. Get to know more about this author by checking out his sites on hvac vacuum pump and magnehelic gauge.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Don_Munn
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Reduce-Your-Risk-of-Breast-Cancer&id=5117993
LINKS
- Chicken Soup for the Breast Cancer Survivor's Soul: Stories to Inspire, Support and Heal (Chicken Soup for the Soul)
- Between Us, A First Aid Kit for Your Heart & Soul, The girlfriends' inside guide to facing treatment for breast cancer, DVD
- Uplift : Secrets from the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors
- Breast Cancer:
- Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book, 5th Edition (A Merloyd Lawrence Book)
- Breast Cancer Legacy
- Choices in Breast Cancer Treatment: Medical Specialists and Cancer Survivors Tell You What You Need to Know (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book)
- The Breast Cancer Survivor's Fitness Plan (Harvard Medical School Guides)
- Breast Cancer: Real Questions, Real Answers
- After Breast Cancer: A Common-Sense Guide to Life After Treatment
