Breast Cancer Prevention: Easy, Simple, And Effective

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when breast cells experience uncontrolled growth and form abnormal tumours. It is the most common type of cancer among women around the world, including in Malaysia. According to the Malaysian Ministry of Health, there are more than 5,000 cases of breast cancer every year in this country.

Although risk factors such as age, family history and genetics cannot be changed, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of breast cancer. 

Measures to Prevent Breast Cancer

1.  Keep a healthy weight

Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in studies. Women who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop breast cancer. This is because adipose tissue (fat cells) produce oestrogen, a female sex hormone that can promote the growth of breast cancer cells.

As a result, it is critical to maintain a healthy weight. Eating a healthy and balanced diet, reducing calorie intake, as well as increasing physical activity are all steps that can be taken. This includes activities such as walking, running and swimming.

2.  Limit alcohol consumption

Alcohol consumption in large quantities and on a regular basis can increase the risk of breast cancer. This is due to the fact that alcohol can alter hormone levels in the body as well as damage DNA cells.

As a result, those who want to prevent breast cancer should limit their alcohol consumption. It does not necessarily preclude the consumption of alcohol, but it is advised to consume alcohol in moderation.

3.  Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding mothers have a lower risk of breast cancer, according to research. This is due to the fact that breastfeeding reduces the amount of oestrogen hormone in the body. This hormone has been linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

As a result, breastfeeding is critical for any mother who can afford it. It also has numerous advantages for babies, such as boosting the immune system and assisting with brain development. Furthermore, breastfeeding can help reduce the risk of childhood obesity and help children grow up healthy and strong.

4.  Limit hormone therapy after menopause

Hormone therapy after menopause has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. This therapy is given to women who are experiencing menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. Hormones are used in this treatment to balance hormone levels in the body.

Therefore, women should talk to their doctor about the risks of postmenopausal hormone therapy before starting treatment.

5.  Consult a doctor about the risk of cancer due to genetics

​Individuals who have a high risk of developing breast cancer due to genetic factors should consult a doctor for a more detailed risk assessment. Doctors may advise genetic testing to determine the risk of developing breast cancer.

If your risk is high, your doctor will advise you to have regular breast exams as well as more intensive preventative measures such as prophylactic surgery or hormone therapy.

6.  Mammogram examination

Mammogram screening is an important method of breast cancer prevention. It is a medical procedure that employs X-rays to produce an image of the breast. This test can detect early changes in the breast before breast cancer symptoms appear. Mammograms are recommended for women over the age of 40 once a year.

Can Food Protect Against Breast Cancer?

​Food is also said to play a role in breast cancer prevention. Although scientific evidence linking food and breast cancer is still inconclusive, there are some foods that can help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

• Fibre and nutrient-rich foods

High-fibre foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains are good for your health and can help lower your risk of breast cancer.

These foods contain nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, calcium and folate, which can help protect cells from damaging and prevent cancer cell growth.

• Foods rich in antioxidants

Antioxidant-rich foods include berries, grapes, tomatoes and dark green vegetables can help protect cells from free radical damage in our bodies. This damage can cause cell mutations, which can lead to breast cancer.

• Healthy fat-containing foods

Fish, nuts and grains, which contain healthy fats, are also important for protecting cells and lowering the risk of breast cancer. Omega-3 and fatty acids found in foods like salmon and nuts like almonds and Brazil nuts help protect cells and reduce the risk of breast cancer.

• Foods to avoid

Foods that can increase the risk of breast cancer include those that contain saturated fat, red meat and smoked or baked foods. These foods contain chemicals that can damage cells and increase the risk of breast cancer.

Certain foods can help reduce the risk of breast cancer, but they do not completely eliminate the risk. You should adopt an overall healthy diet and lifestyle and undergo regular breast examinations to maintain breast health.

Don't wait until it's too late - take charge of your breast health today! Schedule a mammogram with DoctorOnCall and ensure you're doing everything you can to detect breast cancer early.

Birth control pills and breast cancer

​Birth control pills are a type of medication used to prevent pregnancy. It contains synthetic hormones that mimic the action of natural hormones in the female body. Birth control pills are typically taken every day for 21 days.

Several studies have found that taking the pill on a regular basis can increase a person's risk of developing breast cancer. This risk is determined by the type of contraceptive pill used, as well as the dose and duration of use.

Types of birth control pills

Combination birth control pills, which contain the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. This hormone's content can influence breast cell growth and cause cancer cell reproduction.

The progestin pill, which contains only the hormone progestin, is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer than combination pills. However, the progestin pill has been linked to an increased risk of invasive lobular breast cancer, a rare type of breast cancer.

Dosage and duration of intake

Oral contraceptive use for more than five years has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. This risk, however, decreases after the drug is discontinued.

Although there is a link between using birth control pills and an increased risk of breast cancer, this risk is still low. The benefits of birth control pills outweigh the risk of breast cancer for the vast majority of women. However, before using birth control pills, you should consult with your doctor about the benefits and risks.

Fight Cancer Today!

It is important to take preventive measures for breast cancer as it can be fatal. Good health care and regular check-ups can help detect breast cancer at an early stage and increase the chances of recovery. So don't put it off any longer and act now!