Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women (out ranked only by lung cancer)

A woman’s risk of breast cancer approximately doubles if she has a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Do you know that about 15% of women who get breast cancer have a family member diagnosed with it. And on a positive note,  at this time there are more than 2.9 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

These are few self-care tips for breast cancer prevention.

Preventative self- care is critical in reducing our risk of developing breast cancer.  There are many things we can do on a daily basis to love up our breast to keep them healthy.

Eating a well balanced diet of vegetable, good quality meats and proteins, healthy fats, and nurient-dense foods is essential to being vital and healthy.

Make sure to get plenty of essential fatty acids and anti-oxidant rich foods.  Buy as much organic foods as you can to avoid genetically modified foods and harmful chemicals.  And reduce the amount of processed sugars and simple carbohydrates in your diet, both things that create inflammation and acidity in the body.

 *MOVE YOUR BODY

Research suggests that increased physical activity, even when begun later in life, reduces overall breast-cancer risk by about 10 percent to 30 percent. All it takes is moderate exercise like a 30-minute walk five days a week to get this protective effect.

Smoking  cigarettes is associated with increased risk of breast cancer in women and is terrible for your body in so many ways.

Not only is breastfeeding good for your baby, it’s good for you as well.  One study estimates that you reduce your risk 4.1 per cent for every 12 months of breastfeeding.  So the longer that you breast feed, the better it is for your breast health (and your baby!!)  It is assumed that the lower levels of estrogen in the body during lactation is responsible for the reduction in risk.  The hormone estrogen fuels 80% of all breast cancers.

Alcohol use is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.   It’s recommended to have no more than 1 drink per day.

We all have a different ideal weight for our body.  Try to stay in a healthy range for YOU.  Obesity raises the risk of breast cancer, especially after menopause when breast cancer most often occurs.

There are many dangerous and toxic substances used in beauty products these day.  And many are now being linked to increased risks of health issues and cancers.  Parabens are one of the most common preservatives we see in products like deodorants, shampoos, and body lotions.  If you can’t eat it, don’t put it on your body. There are a lot of resources out there for natural body care.

Menopausal hormone therapy increases risk for breast cancer.

 The lymphatic system is a one-way system of vessels and nodes that runs throughout your entire body from your feet to your heart, from your hands to your heart, and from your head to your heart.  Your entire immune function relies on your lymphatic system moving and flowing.  The fluid running through, called lymph, travels throughout the body destroying disease causing microorganisms (pathogens.)   And since the lymphatic system has no “pump” like your cardiovascular system does, it relies solely on the movement on your body to move things along.  Daily self-massage, oilination, salt scrubs, and dry brushing can all keep your lymph flowing. Be sure to always move in the direction that your lymph wants to move, towards the heart.

It’s a great habit to get into to examine your breasts on a regular basis.  Get to know your breasts.  And that way if there any changes in your breast tissue, you will know.