10 Golden recommendations for breast cancer protection

It is possible to be protected from breast cancer, the incidence of which is increasing day by day in our country and in the world, with conscious controls and regular lifestyle. Although the treatment success rate is close to 100percent in cases diagnosed at an early stage with the improvements in treatment methods, it is necessary to take some measures to avoid getting the disease at all. From Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital Breast Health Centre Prof. Dr. Fatih Aydoğan gave information about the measures to be taken against breast cancer.

Exercise at least 3 hours a week

Healthy life is closely related to physical activity. Daily exercises are the key to healthy life as well as playing an important role in protection from breast cancer. Physical exercise done at least 3 hours a week reduces the risk of breast cancer by more than 20percent.

Avoid radiation

Imaging examinations are frequently used in our country. Some of these are unnecessarily done. Computed tomography and PET contain several times more radiation than theexaminations.

Do not postpone delivery beyond the age of 30

Breast cancer is less common in women who give birth and breastfeed. However, in order for this effect t annual accepted radiation dose. For this reason, it is necessary not to unnecessarily have high radiation dose imaging or to prefer alternative radiation-free o occur, the first birth age should be 30 years and before. In women who give birth for the first time after the age of 35, the risk of breast cancer increases compared to those who have never given birth.

Breastfeed your baby for as long as possible

Breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer. The risk reduction is thought to be associated with a lower number of periods during breastfeeding and a healthier diet for breastfeeding mothers. There is a decrease in the risk of developing breast cancer in women who breastfeed for 6 months or longer.

Limited use of hormone treatments

Hormone therapies used during menopause are used to prevent menopausal problems. As with any drug, hormone treatments can have some side effects. Long-term hormone therapy causes an increase in the risk of breast cancer. Breast cancer risk increase is more pronounced in patients who use the drug for more than 5 years. Although there is no definite relationship between birth control pills and hormonal spirals, some studies have concluded that these methods increase the risk of breast cancer.

Limit alcohol use

Scientific research has shown that alcohol intake increases the risk of breast cancer. This risk increases depending on the amount of alcohol taken.

1. Control your weight.

Although obesity is known to increase the risk of breast cancer, this effect has been shown to occur in the postmenopausal period. The reason for the increased risk is the secretion of oestrogen hormone from adipose tissue in the postmenopausal period.

Don't sleep in a bright environment at night

An increase in the risk of breast cancer was observed in women who worked night shifts for a long time. Women's exposure to light at night is one of the factors that cause an increase in risk. It is thought that the increase in the risk of breast cancer is associated with the interruption of melatonin hormone secreted in the dark due to light.

Protect with Mediterranean-type nutrition

Mediterranean-type diet, which includes olive oil, seafood and seasonal vegetables, reduces the risk of breast cancer. Breast cancer is less common in women who frequently consume fruits and vegetables such as carrots, pumpkins, melons, peppers. Green tea, walnuts, broccoli are among the other foods that prevent breast cancer.

Reduce your contact with smoking

While the relationship between smoking and breast cancer is not as prominent as alcohol, it is known that women who inhale cigarette smoke passively have a higher risk of breast cancer. In some studies, more breast cancer was observed in women who smoked during adolescence and post-adolescence.

Prepared by the Medical Editorial Board. Our health library contents have been prepared for informational purposes only and with the scientific content on the registration date. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis or treatment about your health, please consult your doctor or health institution.