#BREASTCANCERMONTH# HOW TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF CANCER

Breast cancer prevention starts with healthy
habits — such as limiting alcohol and staying physically active. Understand what you can do to reduce your breast cancer risk.

 1. Limit alcohol: The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of developing breast
cancer. The general recommendation —based on research on the effect of alcohol on breast cancer risk — is to limit yourself to less than 1 drink per day as even small amounts increase risk.

 2. Don't smoke:  Accumulating evidence suggests a link between smoking and
breast cancer risk, particularly in premenopausal women. Idn addition, not smoking is one of the best things you can
do for your overall health.

3. Control your weight. There is a huge difference with being overweight or fat. Over weight is when you heavier than what is considered healthy. Being
obese increases the risk of breast cancer. This is especially true if obesity occurs later in life,particularly after menopause. So shredding  some weight doesn't mean your size  is not healthy.  Eat right.

4. Be physically active:  Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, which, in turn, helps prevent breast cancer. For most healthy adults, it is recommended that at
least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly, plus strength training at least twice a week.

5. Limit dose and duration of hormone therapy. Combination hormone therapy for more than three to five years increase the risk of breast cancer. If
you're taking hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms, ask your doctor about other options. You might be able to
manage your symptoms with nonhormonal therapies and medications. If you decide
that the benefits of short-term hormone therapy outweigh the risks, use the
lowest dose that works for you and continue to have your doctor monitor the length of time you are taking hormones.

6. Avoid exposure to radiation and environmental pollution. Medical-imaging methods, such as computerized tomography, use high doses of radiation.
While more studies are needed, some research suggests a link between breast cancer and radiation exposure. Reduce your exposure by having such tests only when absolutely necessary.

 Eating a healthy diet might decrease your risk of some types of cancer, as well as diabetes, heart disease and stroke. For example, women
who eat a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil and mixed nuts
might have a reduced risk of breast cancer.
The Mediterranean diet focuses on mostly on
plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts.
People who follow the Mediterranean diet choose healthy fats, like olive oil, over butter and fish instead of red meat.
Maintaining a healthy weight also is a key factor in breast cancer prevention.