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Print | YORK REGION>Services>Public Health and Safety>Cancer Prevention |
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Reduce Your Risk for Breast Cancer
Most risk factors for breast cancer are things you cannot change and currently, there are no proven methods to prevent breast cancer. Making healthy lifestyle choices will improve your overall health and may reduce your risk for breast cancer.
To reduce your risk of breast cancer, adopt the following healthy lifestyle choices:
Research is showing even a moderate level of physical activity may reduce breast cancer risk by 30 to 40%. The benefits of physical activity may be related to the prevention of weight gain or promoting weight loss.
- Eat a healthy diet
Eating 5 to 10 fruit and vegetable servings a day and choosing foods high in fibre and low in fats can help to lower you risk for breast cancer.
- Maintain a healthy body weight
Weight gain results in extra body fat and fat cells produce estrogen. Studies show estrogen increases a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. Maintaining a healthy body weight is especially important after menopause.
- Limit alcohol consumption
Consuming 1 or more alcoholic drink a day is associated with a slight increase in breast cancer risk.
- Be a non-smoker and live in a smoke-free environment
Smoking or being exposed to second-hand smoke can increase your risk of breast cancer. There is evidence that suggests the chemicals in tobacco smoke contribute to breast cancer. The risk is greatest in those who started smoking at an early age and is higher in the pre-menopausal period.
- Know the risks and benefits
Discuss with your health care provider the risks and benefits of the birth control pill and/or hormone replacement therapy.
Source: Breast Health: What you can do. Canadian Cancer Society, 2007.
For more information, or to speak with a Public Health Nurse, please contact
