How to prevent breast cancer

The Oscar-winning actress revealed she had to undergo the surgery because genetic tests showed she had a “faulty gene” that gives her an 87 per cent risk of developing breast cancer and a 50 per cent risk of ovarian cancer. Her mother, an actress, Marcheline Bertrand, died of cancer in 2007, and Jolie said she […]

The Oscar-winning actress revealed she had to undergo the surgery because genetic tests showed she had a “faulty gene” that gives her an 87 per cent risk of developing breast cancer and a 50 per cent risk of ovarian cancer. Her mother, an actress, Marcheline Bertrand, died of cancer in 2007, and Jolie said she did not want her children to lose her to the same disease. Now, her chances of developing breast cancer have dropped from 87 per cent to under five per cent. Jolie’s honesty about her surgery helped raise awareness about the importance of breast cancer prevention.
Many found this ridiculous while others felt it was a risk worth taking. Whatever your thoughts are, you are entitled to them, but health experts say there are other ways of preventing the disease which are less risky as well. 
One research shows that women who breastfeed their babies for a longer period are less likely to develop breast cancer.  Some studies have shown that women who breastfeed are less likely to develop breast cancer than those who do not. The reasons are not fully understood, but it could be because women do not ovulate as regularly while they are breastfeeding and oestrogen levels remain stable. The American Cancer Society Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention says women who choose to breastfeed for at least several months may also reduce their breast cancer risk. This research is still on, but if it is true then the proponents of exclusive breastfeeding have got a strong point to press home their argument for women to breastfeed their babies for longer period.
Also, experts have found out that regular exercise and a healthy diet are recommended for all women as they can help prevent many conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and many forms of cancer. Studies have looked at the link between breast cancer and diet and, although there are no definite conclusions at the moment, there are benefits for women who maintain a healthy weight, do regular exercise and who have a low intake of saturated fat. Regular exercise (two and half hours a week, which you can break up into five 30-minute brisk walks) not only helps to keep your weight in check, it can also lower estrogen levels and boost your immune system, helping to prevent any abnormal cells from growing and spreading.
Research suggests that even one alcoholic drink per day could raise your breast cancer risk. If you regularly have two or three glasses of alcohol at once, your risk of breast cancer jumps to 20% higher than if you abstained completely, according to some studies. The way alcohol is metabolized in a woman’s body may increase estrogen levels in the bloodstream, which increases your breast cancer risk.
Experts say smoking is bad for your breasts: It does not just raise your lung cancer risk: People who smoked for 10 years or more were at least 16% more likely than nonsmokers to develop breast cancer, according to recent research from West Virginia University. Long-term exposure to secondhand smoke may also be risky. Cigarette smoke causes chronic inflammation in your body, which in turn may lead to cancer.
Also, breast examination is very vital to prevent breast cancer. Dr Omoye Egho, of Pink Foundation (a foundation that creates awareness about cancer) explains why. “A woman in her reproductive age is supposed to examine her breast between the 7th and 10th day of her cycle. This will enable her catch any changes that occur in the breast. The more she knows how her breast feels the more she catches the abnormal changes. It is an easy procedure that is done in front of the mirror. Stand in front of the mirror without your top and bra, examine the nipple, compare the both breast, squeeze your nipple a little and see if there is a discharge especially if you are not lactating. You examine the breast in a circular motion round with the other hand on your head. Then you examine your armpit for lumps or lympnoths. It is ideal you do this every month. This is the easiest way to catch lumps which could be life saving. This small lump could be an onset of a cancer,” Dr Egho explains.
Egho tells us what a woman should do when she discovers a lump. “When a woman notices a lump, she should see a doctor. It could be a harmless lump which could be removed by a simple surgery called lumpectomy, or it could be an onset of a cancer. If it is caught early, it can be a measure to stop the further spread of cancer. If it is caught early, then a woman will survive it but if not could lead to death,” Dr Egho says.