More than 40 percent of all breast cancer cases could be prevented through basic lifestyle changes, a sweeping new report shows.
Although many women have long feared they are destined to develop breast cancer – one of the leading causes of death among American women – getting exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption and breastfeeding their children can protect many women from this common disease, the analysis determined.
The potential benefit is staggering. In all, more than 70,000 U.S. breast cancer cases could be avoided every year, determined researchers at the American Institute for Cancer Research and the World Cancer Research Fund, which published the report.
“This study represents the clearest picture we have ever had on how lifestyle affects a woman’s risk of breast cancer,” said Dr. Martin Wiseman, medical and scientific adviser for the organizations, in a written statement. “We are now more certain than ever that by maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active and limiting the amount of alcohol they drink, women can dramatically reduce their risk.”
The report is considered the largest review of the link between breast cancer and lifestyle, analyzing more than 950 research studies and taking years to draft.
Women in North America have the highest rate of breast cancer in the world, with more than 180,000 new cases diagnosed every year. To reduce your risk of breast cancer, the organizations recommend:
- Being “as lean as possible” – without becoming underweight
- Exercising at least 30 minutes per day
- Limiting alcohol consumption to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men
- Exclusively breastfeeding babies for their first six months of life
A Navigenics genetic test can help you determine whether you are at increased genetic risk for breast cancer and many other common diseases. Knowing that you are genetically predisposed to a health condition can be very motivating, giving you the impetus to make lifestyle changes you’ve been wanting to make for years.
omega 3 Oct 29, 2009
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