More than 44,000 women in the world diagnosed with breast cancer every year. While statistical studies show that the figures significantly increase in time, it is important for women to be aware of what they can do to avoid breast cancer. Below are 5 simple steps every woman can do to help reduce their chances of developing the illness.

Know your family medical history.
Genetic breast cancer accounts for at least ten per cent of all cases of the illness. Those most likely to have inherited breast cancer are those with many relatives diagnosed with the disease at a young age, women who have had a close relative with any type of cancer, especially those that affect the reproductive system such as ovarian cancer. If you are concerned that the disease may run in your family, pay your doctor a visit, she may help you by conducting series of screening test. Genetic testing and counseling is available and may be recommended based on your family’s medical history.

Submit yourself to a regular breast examination.
While great majority of lumps are found by women themselves, annual physical exams (PE)  increase prevention rate of breast cancer. Aside from going to doctors for PE, try also to get in the habit of doing breast self-examination at least once a month to familiarize yourself with how your breasts normally look and feel.

Watch what you eat.
Eat foods high in anti-oxidants (vitamins A, C, E, selenium, beta carotene). Dark colored vegetables and fruits like green leafy vegetables, kale, carrots, yams, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and cauliflower, brussel sprouts, collards, cabbage, citrus, berries, nuts and seeds are also highly recommended.  Hence, one must avoid excessive amounts of sugar, fat, alcohol, caffeine – all of which decrease immune system function and may contribute to cancer. Red meat contains much more fat than poultry and fish, so reducing the amount of red meat in your diet may help prevent such occurrence.

Know what affects your hormones.
Controlling the influence of estrogen on the breasts is the single most important method of primary breast cancer prevention. Having children, especially before the age of 30, helps protect against breast cancer. Researchers estimate that delaying childbearing increases the risk of breast cancer by 3 per cent for each year of delay. Avoiding hormonal replacement therapies and any other kind of contraceptive pills is also suggested as they both affect the balance levels of estrogen in the body.

Avoid alcohol and smoking.
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol regularly increases your risk factor for many types of cancer. Studies suggest that men who consume 2 alcoholic drinks per day and women who have 1 alcoholic drink per day significantly increase their risk factors for certain types of cancer. Moreover, one of the best ways to prevent cancer is to quit smoking or never start. A single cigar lit contains more than 60 known carcinogens which interrupt normal cell development, leading to cancer.

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