How Your Lifestyle Affects Your Risk of Getting Breast Cancer

Have you ever wondered if certain habits can lower your risk of getting breast cancer? You might have used Dr. Google in the past to determine your health status. Fear not, this article is here to navigate you through the facts and fiction of breast cancer risks. There are certain lifestyle changes that can be made in order to lower the risk of developing this disease and to stay healthier if you already have it. It can be confusing to navigate this information just by searching the internet, but this article will inform you of the habits that do or do not affect your breast health. With this information, you will be able to take small steps which can change your life and decrease your chance of getting breast cancer.

DIET

Despite what some people might think, the foods that you choose to eat cannot prevent you from getting breast cancer. While your food intake does not directly cause breast cancer to develop, eating a healthier diet is good for you in general and can help boost your immune system. Breastcancer.org recommends eating lots of fruits and vegetables, decreasing your red meat consumption to avoid extra hormones, and limiting your fat intake to stay in good health. While diet doesn’t directly cause breast cancer, women who are obese have a higher risk of developing breast problems, so it is recommended that you try to maintain a healthy diet in order to lower that risk.?

Caffeine is another thing that people commonly think is linked to breast cancer, but many studies have found no correlation. You can enjoy your morning cup of coffee or afternoon tea without being concerned that it will lead to you getting breast cancer. However, there has been a small correlation found between caffeine consumption and women with dense breasts. If you have cysts or your breasts are denser, caffeine could cause some discomfort or pain, but it is not a big enough problem that you will have to give up caffeine altogether.?

SMOKING AND DRINKING

Smoking tobacco is widely known to be dangerous for your health, but does it affect your chance of getting breast cancer? Studies have shown that women who smoke tobacco are more likely to develop breast cancer. A study shared on breastcancer.org found that the rate of women who got breast cancer was 24% higher for women who were currently smoking compared to those that never have, and 13% higher for former smokers compared to women who never smoked.?

Drinking can also have an effect on your breast health and increase your chance of getting breast cancer. Breastcancer.org says “Compared to women who don't drink at all, women who have three alcoholic drinks per week have a 15% higher risk of breast cancer. Experts estimate that the risk of breast cancer goes up another 10% for each additional drink women regularly have each day.” Luckily, you do not have to give up drinking completely if you’d still like to enjoy a glass of wine or have a beer with your friends, as long as it is done in moderation.?

HORMONE INTAKE

Some women have to take extra hormones, such as estrogen or progesterone, when going through menopause or for other health-related reasons. When this is the case, the risk of getting breast cancer is increased.? If possible, try to stay away from taking anything that can increase your hormone levels. If it is unavoidable, it is best to take as little as possible and only when needed. Dr. Kennedy suggests ceasing the hormone supplementation as soon as possible after symptoms are relieved.?

About Dr. Kennedy

Are you struggling to find your surgeon partner for your breast cancer journey? I am a member of the medical staff of Emory Decatur and Emory LTAC Hospitals and have been in the private practice of surgery in Decatur since 1987. I have a special interest in minimally invasive parathyroid surgery and in the treatment of breast diseases. I prioritize my patients and realize it’s important to listen to them because they are the most important member of the team. See what his patients are saying about him here.?

Sources

https://www.breastcancer.org

https://www.healthline.com/health/can-caffeine-affect-breast-tissue#caffeine-and-breast-density