October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and according to breastcancer.org, In 2021, an estimated 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 49,290 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer. Reporter Heather Clisby has some useful information on preventing the most diagnosed cancer among American women…
For 37 years, October has been celebrated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the best way to honor all those pink ribbons is to try to avoid this disease that claims the lives of over 43,000 women every year.
Several factors play a role in cancer risks – genes, lifestyle, environment – and each plays a role in avoiding this disease.
Giving up those cigarettes is one way to cut down on the likelihood of cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight is another; regular exercise and a high-fiber diet of fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, lean meats and fish can help our bodies avoid cancers of all kinds. Enjoy alcohol but only in moderation and cut it out entirely if you can.
Other ways to avoid breast cancer is for new mothers to breastfeed, if possible. Also, women should avoid taking birth control pills after age 35, and especially if they are smokers. Women should also avoid taking post-menopausal hormones and seek over-the-counter relief, if possible.
Women should know their family history and if they are high-risk genetically. Finally, women should begin getting their annual mammograms starting at age 40.
