Best Ways To Decrease Risk Of Dying From Breast Cancer

Although there is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, there are several things you can do that may lower your likelihood of getting it. Other factors, including family history, also increase your risk, but most women who get breast cancer do not have it in the family.

Here are 5 ways to help protect your breast health:

1. Watch your weight. Being overweight or obese increases breast cancer risk. This is especially true after menopause and for women who gain weight as adults. After menopause, most of your estrogen comes from fat tissue. Having more fat tissue can increase your chance of getting breast cancer by raising estrogen levels. Also, women who are overweight tend to have higher levels of insulin, another hormone. Higher insulin levels have also been linked to some cancers, including breast cancer.

If you’re already at a healthy weight, stay there. If you’re carrying extra pounds, try to lose some. There’s some evidence that losing weight may lower breast cancer risk. Losing even a small amount of weight – for example, half a pound a week – can also have other health benefits and is a good place to start.

2. Exercise regularly. Many studies have found that exercise is a breast-healthy habit.

The American Cancer Society recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week. (Or a combination of both.) Moderate-intensity activities are at the level of a brisk walk that makes you breathe hard. And don’t cram it all into a single workout – spread it out over the week.

3. Limit time spent sitting.

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