Breast cancer affects numerous women across the US. It is generally diagnosed in women 50 years or older. So how do we prevent or minimize the risk of getting this disease? Here are some common risk factors for breast cancer that we can look out for and possibly change our lifestyle accordingly.

Weight
Obesity is a common risk factor for breast cancer and it is especially true for women who have gone through menopause. Once the ovaries stop producing estrogen, the responsibility falls on the fat tissue inside the body. If a woman has excess fat tissue she will have higher levels of estrogen which can increase the risk of getting breast cancer.

Diet
There is still extensive research going on about the risk posed by diet in contracting breast cancer. However, there are certain tips that are given by dieticians and doctors. Here are some of them-

• A healthy weight is imperative. BMI can give a person an idea if they are in a healthy weight range or not.
• Consumption of fruits and vegetables every day is important. Try incorporating these two food groups in every meal if possible.
• Intake of saturated fat such as junk food should be limited to a minimum. Intake of fat should be only about 30 grams per day
• Avoid processed foods or packaged foods as they have many chemicals in them.

Drinking and smoking
Both these habits are associated with many diseases, and it is the case with breast cancer as well. Alcohol reduces your liver’s ability to control blood vessels of estrogen. Smoking affects the lungs adversely. Quit these habits before it’s too late.

Contraceptive use
Taking oral contraceptives such as birth control pills can slightly increase your chances of breast cancer. However, the good news is that this can be completely prevented if women stop taking these pills altogether. If a woman hasn’t taken a birth control pill in over 10 years, she will have no risk.

Family history
If a person’s mother, daughter, or sister has been affected by breast cancer, or if they have multiple relatives who are suffering from or have suffered from breast or ovarian cancer, they face a higher risk of getting the disease.

Race
Research suggests that white women are more likely at risk of developing breast cancer rather than black, Hispanic, Asian, or Native American women.

This article lists some of the most common risk factors for breast cancer. Every woman should get regular checkups done so that they can stay healthy. Apart from getting checked, exercising on a regular basis can have immense benefits and can help in keeping a number of diseases away.