Breast Cancer Prevention

Breast cancer continues to take center stage in the fight to cure and prevent the disease from striking so many millions of women each year. While a cure is some time off, there are essential ways that every woman can prevent this common disease from affecting them.

Get Lots of Exercise Each Week

One of the best ways to stave off breast cancer is by engaging in a weekly physical fitness regimen that combines both cardiovascular exercise and several days of strength training activities. Researchers who study the likelihood of developing breast cancer suggest that women get 150 minutes each week of moderate aerobic activity. This can include things like brisk walking or swimming. Those who prefer more vigorous aerobic exercise -- such as running or biking -- should get no fewer than 75 minutes of these exercises in each week.

Also, strength training is of equal importance to preventing the occurrence of breast cancer. Doctors and researchers recommend women do strength training exercise a minimum of two times each week to prevent breast cancer from developing.

Maintain a Healthy Bodyweight

The importance of bodyweight in achieving good health cannot be understated, and it is essential for women who are trying to prevent breast cancer. A healthy bodyweight can be easily measured by the BMI scale, and it's important to note that only the "healthy" category is recommended for women looking to prevent the disease. The "overweight" and "underweight" qualifications pose equal risk of developing tumors in the breasts.

Breast-Feeding Helps Prevent Breast Cancer

Studies have shown that mothers who breast-feed their children are statistically less likely to develop tumors - benign or otherwise.

Limit Alcohol Consumption

This is another one of the recurring themes that runs through all of healthy living, but it bears repeating: excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to higher rates of breast cancer in women. Drinking is not all bad, and women need not avoid it entirely, but any liquors, beers, or wines should be limited to just one glass per day. 

Stop Hormone Therapy

Frequently pursued by menopausal women, hormone therapy has been shown to greatly increase the likelihood that a woman will develop a tumor or tumors in her breasts. If you currently find yourself engaging in hormone therapy, it's important to speak with your physician and discuss non-hormonal alternative such as physical activity and exercise. These methods will still aid in hormone production and reduction, while also serving to further prevent breast cancer's occurrence.

Eat Healthily and Avoid Pollution

Perhaps a bit more of a reach than the methods mentioned above, recent research into air pollution levels has begun to link breast cancer incidents with elevated levels of airborne toxins that come from things like smog and ozone pollution. Those in urban areas may want to pursue an air filter in the interest of improving their indoor air quality and reducing the likelihood that tumors develop in the breasts.

Further, research has shown a slight decrease in incidents of breast cancer among those who eat a balanced diet and have a strong intake of essential dietary fats that promote overall health. In any case, a healthy diet is essential to good health and to maintaining the healthy bodyweight that has been more directly linked with preventing the disease.