When we talk about the prevention of breast cancer we generally refer to the early diagnosis of breast cancer and we should perhaps talk more properly about preventing the consequences of breast cancer: the sooner it is diagnosed, in fact, the more the chances of overcoming the disease increase.
There are, however, some habits, some gestures, some lifestyles that can help a woman prevent the onset of breast cancer or otherwise limit the other risk factors.
Risk factors for breast cancer
The main risk factors for breast cancer are:
- Familiarity: 5-7% of cases are hereditary.
- Age over 40 years;
- Cigarette smoke;
- Food poor in plant foods and rich in animal fats;
- Sedentary lifestyle.
There are also some factors related to reproductive life that can positively or negatively influence the risk of developing breast cancer.
Prevention of breast cancer, early diagnosis
Although breast cancer affects mainly women after the age of 40, it is never too early to start controlling their breasts . Let's see what we should do, age by age:
- Between 20 and 40 years : breast self- examination, once a month, between the seventh and fourteenth day of the menstrual cycle. It is also advisable to have an annual visit to the gynecologist or another experienced doctor. In particular cases, for example for the discovery of a lump or for familiarity, it is usually deepened with ultrasound or with even more specific examinations. In general, however, in this age group mammography is not recommended because of the very dense structure of the breast tissue that can make the results unclear.
- Between the ages of 40 and 50 : during the periodic examination of the breast it is possible to begin mammography, still associating this examination with an ultrasound examination since the structure of the breast continues to be dense. Mammography from the age of 40 is recommended especially for women who are familiar with breast cancer.
- Between the ages of 50 and 69 the risk of developing breast cancer is very high; women in this age group are generally advised to undergo mammography every two years .
In addition to mammography and ultrasound, further tests are now available that allow early diagnosis of breast cancer and are reserved for selected cases, generally those in which the risk is very high or where the presence of a tumor is already suspected.
Have you ever heard of genetic testing? A percentage of breast cancers is genetic in nature and is due to the presence in the DNA of some mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
The genetic test is performed with a blood sample. A special prevention plan is proposed to women with a proven genetic predisposition, which generally includes a check every six months.
The lifestyle that helps you prevent breast cancer
As we said, early diagnosis helps to discover breast cancer early on, favoring a good prognosis of the disease. But there are some actions, some eating and living habits that can help us prevent the onset of breast cancer and other types of cancer.
- Breastfeed. Prolonged breastfeeding over a year is considered a protective factor against breast and ovarian cancer . The longer you breastfeed, the greater the benefit, which is accumulated in the various motherhoods.
- Playing sports. According to a recent meta-analysis, which involved a very large number of women, constant physical activity reduces the risk of developing breast cancer by 12% .
- Eat well, paying attention to the caloric density, limiting the consumption of red and preserved meats, and consuming many plant foods. Also, avoid eating food contaminated with mold and too roasted meat. Salt consumption should be limited to no more than 5 grams per day.
- Limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages and avoid cigarette smoking.
- Keep your body weight normal.
