How to reduce breast cancer risk?
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women. This is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are detected in the tissues of the breast. These cells usually arise from the ducts or the lobules in the breast. The cancer cells can then spread within the breast and to other parts of the body.
Breast cancer is a global problem:
in women worldwide it is on the 1st place (25%),
in Cambodian women it is on the 2d place (15%),
among female cancer patients at Sen Sok IU hospital it is on the 1st place (14,6%).
Breast cancer is the 2 d leading cause of death in women today.
There are two groups of breast cancer risk factors.
A) Risk factors which we can not control:
The risk of breast cancer increases with age. The highest risk of the breast cancer is between 40 and 50 years old.
Family history (breast cancer, ovarian cancer or colorectal cancer in the family).
Personal menstrual history (periods started before 12, and/or late menopause after 55),
Radiation,
B) Risk factors which we can control:
Obesity,
Low physical activity,
No having children,
No breastfeeding,
Alcohol,
Hormone-replacement therapy,
Birth-control pills,
Smoking.
How to reduce breast cancer risk?
Follow healthy well balanced diet: fresh fruits & vegetables, soy and milk products are good. Necessary to avoid foods with high fat content, limit intake of processed and red meats.
Limitation of alcohol,
Stop smoking,
Avoid being overweight (especially for postmenopausal women).
Using hormone=replacement therapy and birth-control pills only under control of your physician (gynecologist, endocrinologist). Avoid hormonal replacement therapy more than 5 years.
Regular exercise (minimum 5 times a week), even brisk walking or yoga have their benefits. Try to clock at least 30-45 minutes of exercise each time.
And kindly do not forget about regular breast check-up!