66 years ago, 10-year survival of breast cancer patients was only 25 percent. In 2004, it climbed to 76.5 percent! Early detection and effective modern ways of breast cancer treatment made possible of the notable rise of survival rate. Significant improvements can still be achieved by making the public more aware of the deadly disease. Even the simple steps of taking care of ones health can give a great deal of help in avoiding breast cancer.You are right if you’re thinking of exercise and healthy diet. These things are the same ways a person needs in order to keep the cardiovascular health in optimal state. Keeping the right weight, eating healthy food, and enough exercise do not guarantee that one will not contract the disease. However, it sure helps improve the odds.
How did we come to the conclusion that these common health tips actually reduce breast cancer risk? Well, according to the American Cancer Society, of the 550,000 deaths among American cancer patients, about 1/3 is linked to obesity, poor diet and inactivity. In the case of lung cancer, smoking is the strongest link.
Reduce Weight. According to American Institute of Cancer Research, breast cancer and several more types of cancers are believed to have something to do with estrogen stored in and produced by fat cells, insulin-like growth factor, and chronic inflammation, with which obesity is a major factor. By watching weight responsibly, the possible risk booster is controlled.
Be physically active. A study found 50% reduced colon cancer risk can be achieved through moderate exercise. In 2003, another study reported 20% reduced breast cancer risk through 30-minute walk everyday.
Drink less alcohol. One drink a day for women. Heavy drinking has long been found to dramatically increase risk of mouth, esophagus, pharynx, larynx, and liver cancers. But as to breast cancer, even moderate amounts of alcohol have recently been linked to increased risk of the disease. Alcohol’s association to breast cancer is still unclear, though. Estrogen levels and genetic differences are among the aspects that researchers are looking into.
Say no to tobacco. Stop smoking, chewing or breathing somebody else’s smoke and live longer. If smoking among those people in Dickies scrubs, health care workers themselves will be able to set a good example to patients and the public in general about the importance of quitting tobacco use. Whether they wear mens scrubs or womens scrubs, they should lay a healthy lifestyle for people to look up to.
Eat right. The Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found in a study that eating variety of fruits, vegetables, as well as herbs and spices could decrease certain types of cancer. While there are foods that are believed to reduce cancer risk, there are also those that can increase.
