1 in 8 women is likely to develop breast carcinoma at least once in her lifetime, according to current statistics. Breast cancer contributes to about 15.2% of cancer cases in the United States. Here are some effective ways to prevent the disease:
1. Maintain a healthy weight.
Researchers have found a strong link between obesity and the occurrence of breast cancer, particularly in post-menopausal women. Being overweight and having a BMI (body mass index) above 25 has been linked to the reoccurrence of breast cancer in women who have suffered from the disease in the past. Accumulation of adipose tissues (fat tissues) under the skin leads to the synthesis of estrogen. A higher estrogen level in the body increases the risk of developing breast cancer. Moreover, obese women are more likely to face hormonal imbalance, especially excessive insulin levels, which contributes to breast carcinomas.
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2. Stay physically active.
Regular exercise including aerobics, yoga, strength training, and walking, is a proven method to obstruct obesity. It also ensures proper hormonal regulation and prevents an imbalance of hormones affecting the breasts such as estrogen. With controlled estrogen levels, the body is at a much lower risk of suffering from breast cancer. Additionally, exercise boosts the immune system, enhancing the body’s ability to combat free radicals and mutagenic agents which lead to cell mutation and ultimately breast cancer. In a study conducted by the American Cancer Society, women who stayed physically inactive for more than six hours every day developed a 10% greater risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer.
3. Limit alcohol consumption.
Various studies depict that overconsumption of alcoholic beverages elevates a woman’s risk of developing hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. High alcohol levels in the bloodstream cause an unwanted surge in estrogen level and also leads to an imbalance of other hormones affecting the breast tissue. Breast cancer risk is also increased by alcohol due to the damage it inflicts upon DNA in the cells. Cellular changes in DNA structure may result in mutation, the first step towards tumor growth or neoplasia. Studies have proven that women who consume three to four alcoholic drinks per week have a 20% greater chance of suffering from breast carcinoma, than women who do not drink at all.
4. Quit smoking.
A study conducted in 2012 linked cigarette smoking to an increased breast cancer risk. Cigarette smoke contains more than seventy various kinds of carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) such as nicotine, benzene, and ethylene oxide. Hazardous chemical substances present in tobacco smoke stimulate oncogene activation along with inhibition of tumor-suppressor genes. Both of these mechanisms lead to a higher risk of breast cancer. A study published in ‘Breast Cancer Research’ revealed that women who began smoking before the age of 17 had a 24% higher risk while those who smoked after the age of 19 had a 15% greater risk. It is imperative to quit smoking, especially for women who have a family history of the disease.
5. Avoid exposure to radiation and other physical agents.
Carcinogenic chemicals such as asbestos, nickel, crystalline silica are known to gradually cause several kinds of cancers, including breast cancer, upon long periods of integumentary exposure. Moreover, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight can disrupt DNA structure within cells along with damaging tumor-suppressor proteins. Without these specific proteins, abnormal tumor growth and the underlying mechanisms leading to breast cancer are no longer prevented. Another external risk factor is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which enhances breast cancer risk after three years of usage.
Follow these effective methods to ensure protection from invasive breast carcinomas in the future.
Until Next Time
Team Doctor ASKY!