Ways to Stay Well During Breast Cancer Awareness Month – About 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop breast cancer over the course of their lifetime.
But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing we can do. This breast cancer awareness month, we’re sharing ways you can stay well and best support others.
- Know Your Family History: While 90 percent of breast cancers are not genetically linked, it’s important to share family history with your doctor and ask how it might impact screening recommendations.
- Get Regular Exercise: There are many benefits of adding exercise into your schedule. One study found that just 1.25 to 2.5 hours a week of brisk walking can reduce risk of developing breast cancer by almost 20 percent.
- Limit Excess Alcohol: Women who have one drink a day have a small increased risk for the disease, but the risk rises 1.5 times in women who consume between 2 and 5 drinks daily.
- Quit Smoking: There’s some evidence that smoking increases your chances of developing breast cancer. More and more studies have linked a heavy smoking habit with higher risk.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: If you are overweight after menopause, you could be at greater risk of breast cancer. After the menopausal transition, fat tissue produces more estrogen, which can fuel breast cancer.