October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month which is the second most common cancer in American women.
There is a 13% chance of a woman in the United States developing breast cancer during her lifetime which has been decreasing each year. In order to continue to reduce the chance of getting breast cancer, we have provided some tips to ensure that you and your loved ones can live a long and healthy life.
How to lower the risk of getting breast cancer
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- Regular diet and exercise
It is recommended for all women to regularly exercise and eat a healthy balanced diet to help prevent breast cancer along with many other health conditions. Although there isn’t a direct link between breast cancer and diet there are benefits to managing your eating habits properly and incorporating different nutrients into your diet.
- Regular diet and exercise
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- Find out your family history
If your family has a strong history of cancer there are steps that you can take to protect yourself. High-risk women are those who have a mother or sister that had breast or ovarian cancer. Consulting a doctor can help you get a better understanding of your history.
- Find out your family history
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- Limit exposure to tobacco
Tobacco has more than 50 chemicals that are known to cause cancer and second-hand smoke also lowers the quality of life and makes it easier to get a disease.
- Limit exposure to tobacco
- Check your breasts regularly
It is important to routinely check your breasts at the same time each month or any irregularities and get a yearly breast exam from a qualified medical professional. Early detection improves the chances that if you do have cancerous cells, they can be cured.