10 tips to prevent breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer, the second leading cause of death in women. Men are also not immune to the disease.

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(Artwork: Internet)

According to the National Cancer Institute, in 2014 there were 232,6790 cases of breast cancer in women, 2,360 cases in men. The number of deaths from breast cancer in women is 40,000 and in men is 430.

To reduce the risk of breast cancer, or at least diagnose it at the earliest stage, we need to have a healthy lifestyle, periodic health checks. Here are 10 tips to prevent this disease:

Eating green vegetables : Studies show that eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, fish . such as Mediterranean people will reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Regular exercise : Active women have a lower risk of developing breast cancer. A 2014 study found that women who ate fruits, vegetables and regular physical activity reduced their risk of breast cancer.

Getting enough sleep : Getting enough sleep is about 8 hours a night. Research shows that naps, night work, exposure to light all night will increase the risk of breast cancer.

Maintaining a balanced weight : Obesity and diabetes are associated with a risk of breast cancer. The way to remove unwanted fat is to avoid drinking soft drinks, sugary drinks, eating only when hungry, exercising daily and getting enough sleep.

No smoking, no drinking: Smoking increases the risk of cancer in many organs in the body. Besides, drinking alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer.

Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding offers many benefits, including reducing the risk of maternal breast cancer, since giving birth after 30 years of age is a factor in this type of cancer.

Avoiding radiation exposure : The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that women reduce CT scans, PET and X-ray. However, radiation therapy is sometimes useful, for example, treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma. In that case, the woman should be examined early and often to prevent breast cancer.

Caution with hormones : If menopause causes unpleasant symptoms, you can talk to your doctor. Hormone replacement therapy is an option but long-term use may increase the risk of breast cancer. If a family member has a history of illness, consider therapy that does not use hormones.

Diagnostic screening for breast cancer : The most commonly used screening tool is a mammogram, a controversial method because the diagnosis is not reliable. Accordingly, after each scan, 10% of women are called back for further examination, causing anxiety.

However, mammography is still the best tool for early diagnosis. According to the National Cancer Institute, there is much evidence of the benefits of annual mammograms for women aged 40-74 years. On the other hand, the American Office of Preventive Medicine recommends only taking women once every 50-74 years.

Genetic testing: Donald Aptekar Gynecologist from American Rose Medical Center said: If the family has a history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer or Jewish ancestors, you can bring Genetic modification (like BRCA 1 or 2), increases the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Many other factors also cause hereditary cancer. Aptekar recommends talking to a health advisor about genetic testing.