In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, here are some tips on reducing your risk of breast cancer, courtesy of Women’s Health magazine:
Limit alcohol consumption: Two drinks a day can up your risk of developing breast cancer. Eat fresh grapes instead. They contain resveratrol, which may help reduce estrogen levels, possibly reducing your risk.
Exercise: Working out consistently may help prevent breast cancer by boosting your immune system, keeping you at a health weight and lowering estrogen and insulin levels.
Eat a healthy diet: A low-fat diet can reduce your risk, and so will keeping off extra weight. Eat cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, kale, collard greens, cauliflower and cabbage, and try to eat them raw when possible. They contain sulforaphane, a compound that may have anticancer properties.
Talk to your family about any history of breast cancer: Having a first-degree relative diagnosed with the disease doubles your own risk. If you have a family history of multiple cases of breast cancer, a family history of both breast and ovarian cancer or have an Eastern European Jewish background, consider getting genetic testing to see if you have an inherited gene mutation that may lead to breast cancer. (Learn more here).
Don’t forget breast exams: Get a clinical breast exam at least every three years and annual exams and mammograms starting at age 40. If you have a family history, start getting screened 10 years before the family member’s age of diagnosis.