10 Ways to Prevent Breast Cancer
1. Know the History of Breast Cancer in Your Family.
Knowing which of your aunts, great aunts, cousins or other female relatives have suffered from
breast cancer is important information that your parents need to share with teen
girls, who can later share with their OB/GYN and primary care Physicians.
2. Limit or Eliminate Alcohol From Your Diet.
Teens need to eliminate alcohol from their diets. It is believed that alcohol consumption increases the
risk for cancer of the organs and tissues of the respiratory tract and the upper digestive tract, liver, colon, rectum and breast.
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Teen girls and women who are overweight carry more fat on their bodies. Fat has been linked to an increase of estrogen in the body. One study shows that women who developed breast cancer tended to have higher levels of estrogen circulating in their bodies than women without breast cancer according
to Cornell University.
4. Eat More Fiber
Eating more fiber may be one way teen girls can decease breast cancer risks. Women who consume 30 grams of fiber a day have “half the risk” of women who eat only 20 grams a day. The recommended 30 grams is equivalent to two ounces of fiber.
5. Give Up Smoking
Teen girls who smoke need to quit smoking if they want to reduce their risk of breast cancer. Studies have shown that there is a link between teen girls who started smoking during their teen years, and later
“developed breast cancer before menopause” (American Cancer Society)
6. Eat More Fruits
Teen girls can benefit from eating more fruit, which are rich in vitamins. Fruits do contain phytochemicals that affect cancer risk. Also, it is easier to add a banana and an apple to your day than to go get a genetic
test.
7. Exercise Regularly
It has been shown in various studies that a regular routine of daily exercise is linked to lowering breast cancer risk. Teen girls should find an hour to engage in moderate activity 5 time a week.
8. Eat More Vegetables
Eating more vegetables is another way teen girls can reduce their fisk of breast cancer. Vegetables, like fruits have naturally occurring phytochemicals that the affect the risk of breast cancer.
9. Do a Breast Self-Exam
Early detection is critical when it comes to breast cancer diagnosis. Teen girls should learn how to do a breast self-exam. Ask your mom, sister, or someone you are not embarrassed to ask. Or ask your doctor.
10. Eat More Whole Grains
Eating more whole-grain foods may help decrease the risk of breast cancer. They are good for
you anyway, and your overall health will benefit. Eating whole grains can also help minimize your chances of developing other cancers or heart disease.