Doctors are still unsure how to prevent breast cancer.
Regular aerobic exercise may work
Studies have found that women who exercise regularly and actively are only half as likely to develop breast cancer as women who don’t exercise. This was confirmed mainly in young premenopausal women. Exercise also helps patients better tolerate treatment side effects and recover more quickly after surgery. It also has a positive impact on survival rates.
Healthy diet plays a small but important role
The role of diet in breast cancer prevention is small but important. Fat may increase the risk of breast cancer; fruits, vegetables, and grains may reduce the risk. This has been found outside the United States, but a low-fat diet has not been found to reduce breast cancer risk in the United States.
Alcohol consumption is also associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, and doctors recommend limiting alcohol consumption.
It should be understood that dietary control has not been shown to intervene with other breast cancer risk factors. Women who eat a healthy diet still need to receive other preventive measures such as regular screenings.
Early detection and treatment
This remains the best way to improve the prognosis for cancer. The following are common approaches, and you should consult your doctor for details:
- Get regular medical checkups and mammograms. Experts recommend starting mammograms at age 40 or earlier, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer. Ask your doctor when to start your first mammogram.
- If you take birth control pills, you should consult your doctor about the pros and cons of taking them.
- If you are near or at menopause, ask your doctor if hormone replacement therapy should be used to treat menopausal symptoms. Studies have shown that hormone replacement therapy, especially a combination of estrogen and progestin, can increase the risk of breast cancer. Attendees and physicians can develop a plan based on breast cancer risk.
- If there is a high risk of breast cancer, certain medications that block the action of estrogen, such as raloxifene and tamoxifen, have been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Your doctor should be consulted about the risks and benefits of using these medications.