How you can help to reduce your risk of breast cancer

The sound of breast cancer makes most women worry! And, this is quite natural. Almost everyone knows a person affected by the disease. With so much news on breast cancer, it is important to take few precautionary measures. Few changes in your lifestyle can reduce the risks of breast cancer.

#1 Avoid Phthalates

Phthalates are almost everywhere. According to recent studies, numerous health issues are linked with phthalates. By definition, phthalates are a huge collection of chemicals. These chemicals can cause problems like obesity, breast cancer, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and low IQ. The chemical is found in products like deodorants, fragrances, body lotions, nail polish and hair care. Over the years, many organizations have come up with regulations on how to limit the use of phthalates. Public health advocates are keen on replacing harmful phthalates with organic substances. It is important for women and children to use phthalate-based products carefully.

#2 Avoid BPA

The risk of breast cancer increases with hormonal changes. BPA is a chemical used to make plastics, cutlery (disposable), and the lining inside canned foods. BPA is a powerful endocrine disrupter. Just like phthalates, it can increase the likelihood of diabetes, cancer, and obesity. It is important to limit your exposure to BPA-based products. Here are few tips to help you:

• Hunt for beverages sold in glass. Try to avoid plastic bottles.
• Switch to stainless steel, porcelain or glass for storing hot foods. Heat can break BPA down and introduce it to your beverages or food.
• Use only stoneware, ceramic and bone china containers in your microwave.

In the recycle triangle, BPA products are ranked #7.

#3 Focus on your Health

“Keep an eye on your weight” – is a very common phrase that gets tuned out. It is very important to maintain a steady and a healthy weight. Obesity comes with many issues. It can increase your chances of developing different types of cancers. The risks are higher after menopause. This is why you must exercise. Women who exercise for at least 30 minutes every day reduce their risks of breast cancer. Working out will help you keep a tab on your weight too.

#4 Change Your Lifestyle

A balanced diet can improve your health significantly. You must stay away from alcohol, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Smoking is absolutely unhealthy. It can reduce your quality of life and increase the chances of at least 15 different types of cancer, including breast cancer. Also, women must avoid the use of birth control pills, especially after 35.

Let’s Join Hands

Scientists, physicians, and community partners in the Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Program (BCERP), which is supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), study the effects of environmental exposures on breast cancer risk later in life. They created a mother-daughter toolkit (http://bit.ly/BCERPtoolkit) mothers can use to talk to daughters about steps to take together to reduce risk.

I encourage you to take a few minutes to complete the below survery, to help with the research at BCERP 

https://gmuchss.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7TEuYTJvnIKzprv