Breast cancer affects around 45,000 people in the UK each year. No one is sure exactly what causes this condition but it develops when cells in the breast start to multiply in a rapid and uncontrolled way. Although no one knows the exact cause there are number of factors that have been linked with prevention. In this article I will be discussing three tips that could help you prevent this nasty disease.
1) CONSUME LESS ALCOHOL:- A number of studies have suggested that drinking alcohol can increase your chances of getting this type of cancer. Cancer Research UK estimate that around 2,000 of the breast cancer cases reported in the UK each year are caused by alcohol. Multiple studies also suggest that the amount of alcohol consumed directly influences your likelihood of contracting this disease. Therefore, if you drink alcohol you are more at risk than a none drinker and if you are a heavy drinker then you are more at risk than a moderate drinker.
Now I am not suggesting that you completely alter your alcohol intake because there are other factors that influence breast cancer too. However, it could be a good idea to monitor your alcohol consumption for a week and see if there is anywhere you could make some cutbacks. Perhaps, instead of drinking a glass of wine with every evening meal you could alternate and have it every other night. Maybe instead of going for weekly drinks with friends you could go for a meal or to the cinema on alternate weeks. Small changes such as these could help you reduce your overall alcohol consumption.
2) EAT MORE HEALTHY FOODS:- A lot of researchers agree that a healthy diet is a key element of breast cancer prevention. In particular, trans fats have been linked with the development of this type of cancer. On the other hand fruits and vegetables are thought to lower your risk of contracting this disease because they contain cancer protective vitamins and phyto-chemicals.
If your diet contains a lot of processed or man made foods then you really need to cut down as these are normally loaded with trans fat. Also try to make sure you are eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Like with alcohol, you don't have to make significant changes to your diet right away. Instead, try to substitute one of the processed foods in your diet with a piece of fruit or veg every week. Before you know it your overall diet will have improved for the better and this could make the difference between contracting this type of cancer and not.
3) DO MORE EXERCISE:- Exercise is believed to help prevent this type of cancer. A study from Dr Michael Leitzmann that was published in the Journal of Breast Cancer Research [1] suggests that vigorous activity such as running, competitive sports and intense dancing could reduce your risk of contracting this disease. However, less intense exercise did not have the same effect. Therefore, if your current lifestyle is relatively inactive try and do some intense exercise two or three times per week. If you are stuck for ideas jogging, sprinting, skipping and team sports are all good choices.
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK. However, by following the preventative tips discussed in this article you can hopefully avoid it. Reducing your alcohol consumption, improving your diet and becoming more active are positive lifestyle choices that everyone should make. Not only will you be improving your overall health but you could protect yourself from this cancer type of cancer too.
Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Breast cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.
Sources:
[1] Michael F Leitzmann, Steven C Moore, Tricia M Peters, James V Lacey Jr, Arthur Schatzkin, Catherine Schairer, Louise A Brinton, Demetrius Albanes., Journal of Breast Cancer Research, 2008
Tom Parker owns and operates a number of useful fitness resources and websites. You can learn more about breast cancer prevention by visiting http://blog.freefitnesstips.co.uk/breast-cancer-explained.html
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