The most common question in relation to breast cancer is whether there’s a family history of the disease. Having a close relative who suffered from breast cancer should cause you to pay close attention to changes in your breasts. Other categories include women who haven’t had children (or who had a child late in life), those who had menstrual cycles from an early age, and those of African origin. Diet and lifestyle also play an important part in the breast cancer risk factor, and recent research suggests that antibiotic use can be a cause.
There are certain things that you can’t change about your medical history – diet is the one you can, and that’s why it’s so important. Studies have shown that diet and weight are major risk factors for breast cancer. Obese women (those with a BMI of 30 or more) are said to have two to four times the risk, due to the fact that a high level of abdominal fat leads to faster cell proliferation. A further study by the American Cancer Society showed that mature women who had been overweight at 18 had a 40% greater risk of developing breast cancer. It is thought that excess fat increases oestrogen levels, creating the perfect climate for breast cancer. There is also some concern that a high-carbohydrate diet increases the risk factor. As ever; where your wellbeing is concerned, fruit vegetables and whole grains are always the way to go.
Breast cancer is a fact of life and the experience of so many brave sufferers should remind us to prioritise our health and wellness in life. Ask your nurse to teach you how to conduct a proper breast examination and check your breasts regularly. From menopausal age be sure to take regular mammograms to increase your chances of catching breast cancer early. Ultimately, nothing we can do will predict the future so we need to eat right, live healthy and above all stay in tune with our bodies.