Did you know one of the risk factors for breast cancer is being a woman over age 50? Two out of three invasive breast cancers are found in women age 55 and older, and 97% of cancer deaths occur in women over 40. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women, making it a significant health problem.
Is there anything you can do to reduce your risk? Obtain regular screening, as breast cancer screening has increased early detection and treatment. Advances in medicine and earlier stage tumor detection have made radical mastectomies rare. The most common sign of breast cancer is a painless, hard lump with irregular edges. A high percentage of new cases are discovered by women who find lumps in their breasts, so self-examinations should be practiced.
Lifestyle can be modified to help decrease the risk. Hormone replacement therapy used to be commonplace, but due to the health risks involved, including heart disease, stroke, blood clots, and breast cancer, doctors have prescribed it less. Since prolonged use of synthetic hormone therapy increases the risk of breast cancer, alternative solutions, such as diet and exercise, are great options to consider. Postmenopausal women who are overweight have a higher risk of breast cancer. Maintaining an ideal weight and following a diet higher in fresh foods, vegetables and fiber, such as the Mediterranean diet, decreases the risk. Some studies have shown a connection between alcohol consumption and breast cancer risk. Women should limit consumption to no more than one drink a day. Physical activity, such as exercising moderately for 30 minutes 5 days a week, lowers risk and improves prognosis by decreasing endogenous sex hormone concentrations, insulin resistance and bad inflammation. Incorporating exercise and cancer-preventive lifestyle changes can reduce your breast cancer risk.