Breast Cancer – What You Can Do To Prevent It
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that affect women. There are many causes of breast cancer, and they can be hereditary, or due to a bad diet, poor hygiene or exposure to radiation. Some women develop breast cancer after menopause, which is when their ovaries stop producing estrogen.
In the United States, breast cancer is the second most common cause of death among women, and it is also the leading cause of death in women between 40 and 55 years old. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer at some point in her life.
Although breast cancer is not considered to be contagious, there are certain things that you can do to help prevent it from occurring. For example, you should make sure that your breasts are not exposed to radiation, such as x-rays, CT scans or mammograms. You should also avoid exposing your breasts to radiation by avoiding tanning beds.
You should also eat a healthy diet that contains plenty of fruits and vegetables. These foods contain antioxidants, which help to fight free radicals in the body. Antioxidants are known to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.
If you smoke cigarettes, then you should quit immediately. Smoking increases your risk of developing cancer of the lung, mouth, throat, larynx and esophagus, but it also increases your risk of developing breast cancer. It has been estimated that smokers have a 50% greater chance of developing breast cancer than non-smokers.
There are several ways to prevent breast cancer, but you need to find out what works for you. For example, if you have a family history of breast cancer, then you may want to talk to your doctor about genetic testing. This test can determine whether or not you have a gene mutation that increases your risk of developing breast cancers.
Another way to prevent breast cancer is to avoid getting pregnant before the age of 35. If you do become pregnant before this age, then you should see your doctor regularly for checkups. You should also make sure that you take folic acid supplements while you are pregnant.
Women who are over 40 are more likely to develop breast cancer. You should also try to lose weight if you are overweight. Obesity is associated with increased levels of insulin, which is a hormone that promotes the growth of breast cancer cells.
You should also keep your skin healthy by using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing. Wear long sleeves and pants whenever possible, especially during summer months. You should also wear a hat when you are outside, even if it is cloudy or rainy.
If you think that you have breast cancer, then you should see your physician immediately. In some cases, the disease can be detected early, when it is still treatable.