Is It Possible To Prevent Breast Cancer?

There is no single measure that can prevent breast cancer 100%. However, a healthy lifestyle as well as following doctor’s recommendations can contribute to your quality of life.

Breast cancer is one of the most diagnosed cancers in the world. Both in men and women, according to data from the National Institute of Cancer . It is a chronic disease that occurs when the cells of the breast tissue start to grow abnormally.

While it is true that this disease does not “prevent”, it can be detected early enough (and thus increase the chances of successful treatment) through self-examinations and regular mammograms.

According to AECC experts, when breast cancer is detected in its initial stages, the chances of recovery are almost 100%.

In addition, they recommend putting into practice a series of healthy habits which, although they do not always guarantee prevention, help to minimize the risks.

What are the causes of breast cancer?

The causes of breast cancer are not 100% clear. However, doctors agree that breast cancer occurs when some of the breast cells start to grow abnormally and quickly. These cells can spread ( metastasize ) through the chest and other body tissues as they travel through the blood and lymphatic vessels.

Most breast cancers start in the cells of the ducts responsible for producing milk. This is called invasive ductal carcinoma.

It can also originate from glandular tissue or lobules, known as invasive lobular carcinoma. Other types of cancer develop on other breast tissue.

Risk factors

For years, multiple hormonal, environmental and genetic factors have been identified as possible causes of breast cancer. However, it is still not clear why some people develop the disease and others do not.

Some of the most common risk factors are:

• Consume alcoholic beverages
• Being female (Although men can develop it too, women are often the most affected)
• Onset of menopause in old age
• Have a personal or family history of breast cancer
• Suffering from overweight and obesity
• Menstruation at an early age
• Have followed hormonal therapy (post-menopausal)
• Have been or be exposed to radiation
• Childbirth for the first time after 30 years
• Have a certain age  (over the years the risk of suffering from this disease increases).

Symptoms of breast cancer

In its initial stages, it can be difficult to detect breast cancer. However, as it progresses, it is common to experience the following symptoms:

• A lump or swelling of the breast
• A change in the size and shape of the breast
• Changes in the skin covering the chest
• An inverted nipple for the first time
• Peeling of the pigmented area of ​​the skin of the nipple
• Redness or small holes on the skin of the breast

Recommendations for preventing breast cancer

Due to the complexity of the disease, it is impossible to talk about a 100% effective method of preventing breast cancer.

However, there are some habits and recommendations that can reduce the risk of suffering from it, especially if we are exposed to factors that are linked to breast cancer.

1. Stay active

Women who have an active lifestyle are less likely to develop the disease. Physical activity helps maintain the balance of estrogen, a key hormone for women’s health.

2. Avoid being overweight

Organisms that have a higher number of fat cells have a higher risk of developing cancer. For this reason, it is essential to adopt good habits to maintain a healthy and balanced weight.

3. Limit alcohol consumption

The consumption of alcoholic beverages has a negative impact on health. If you are at risk of developing breast cancer, it is essential to limit alcohol consumption.

4. Choose to breastfeed

Breastfeeding is not only the best way to supply the baby with nutrients, but it is a method that can also be used to reduce the risk of breast cancer and other aggressive diseases.

5. Perform a monthly self-examination

Self-examination of the breasts is the key to preventing breast cancer. This review helps to detect in time the presence of an abnormality that may occur in the breast tissue.

6. Perform genetic tests

When there is a family history of breast cancer, it is advisable to perform genetic tests to find out how high the risk is. Through professional assessment, the doctor can determine whether it is necessary to start treatment.

Are you worried about suffering from breast cancer? If you have reason to suspect this disease, see a specialist as soon as possible and perform the appropriate tests.

In addition, if you want to decrease the chances of development, we advise you to put all the advice in this article into practice and apply them in your daily life. Also remember, when in doubt, see a doctor.