8 tips for breast cancer prevention

Current figures from the German Cancer Aid (Deutsche Krebshilfe) show that around 75,000 women in Germany are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, of whom approximately 17,000 succumb to this by far most common type of cancer among women. It should also be noted that men can be affected by this insidious disease. Despite these still alarming figures, cancer research, not least due to the ongoing development of modern treatment and diagnostic methods, sees light at the end of the tunnel, which is reflected in significantly increasing recovery rates. In addition to the purely medical treatment of already diagnosed cancers, cancer prevention plays a crucial role in detecting the disease at an early stage. In this context, we have compiled eight tips in this article that can help you reduce your personal risk and contribute to a generally healthy lifestyle.

Tip 1 – Pay attention to changes

Various support services and institutions recommend preventative checkups, the frequency of which should increase with age. However, since breast cancer can develop rapidly, it is crucial that you pay close attention to changes in your body and develop a sense for any visual or tactile changes in your breasts. Leading medical professionals in the field of cancer research recommend using your daily showering or dressing routine as an opportunity for a quick visual inspection to detect any changes in the appearance or feel of your breast tissue. Hardening or pain in the tissue, as well as skin changes and pronounced redness, can be early indicators of a possible illness. Even though such occurrences often turn out to be false alarms, it is advisable to consult a specialist as soon as possible.

Tip 2 – Eat a healthy diet

The message that a diet largely composed of unhealthy fats and highly processed foods promotes the development of cardiovascular diseases has now reached every corner of the country. However, studies show that an unhealthy diet can also contribute to the development of certain types of cancer, including breast cancer. In this context, renowned scientists recommend, in addition to a balanced diet, the consumption of cruciferous vegetables such as kale, broccoli, and garlic, as studies have shown that their antioxidants and phytochemicals can significantly contribute to cancer prevention.

Tip 3 – Limit your alcohol consumption

Even though no study has yet conclusively proven a direct link between alcohol consumption and the development of breast cancer, it is established that alcohol raises estrogen levels in the blood. Accordingly, it is reasonable to assume that the sharply rising estrogen levels resulting from regular, above-average alcohol consumption may promote the development of some types of breast cancer. Not least because of this fact, you should reduce your alcohol consumption to a minimum.

Tip 4 – Be physically active

A recent scientific study revealed that being overweight significantly increases the risk of breast cancer. The researchers involved in the study also demonstrated that women who were regularly physically active had a 25 percent lower risk of breast cancer compared to women who were insufficiently physically active. According to the findings, just 75 to 180 minutes of additional exercise per week is enough to reduce the risk of breast cancer by up to 18 percent.

Tip 5 – Breastfeeding

Some studies suggest that breastfeeding may reduce the likelihood of developing breast cancer. Researchers hypothesize that this is due to the development of a natural protective mechanism that increases with the number of children breastfed over a lifetime.

Tip 6 – Quit smoking

A study published in 2012 by the American Cancer Society declares smoking to be a significant risk factor that can promote the development of various types of cancer, including breast cancer.

Tip 7 – Go for regular mammograms

Women aged 40 and over have long been advised to have a mammogram at least every two years as part of their cancer screening. However, to promote early detection, many experts are now recommending screening examinations even at a younger age.

Tip 8 – Pay attention to which pill you use

In recent decades, studies have attracted public attention by establishing a link between the use of contraceptives and the occurrence of breast cancer. It was discovered that women using such hormonal preparations had an increased risk of developing breast cancer, whereas this risk normalized over the years after discontinuing the pill. The pharmaceutical industry responded by significantly reducing the concentration of the active ingredient in these medications to largely eliminate the risks. However, if you use oral contraceptives, it's still advisable to discuss this topic with a doctor in a confidential conversation, in order to choose a different product if necessary.

Finally, we would like to share some facts about breast cancer that are likely new to you and that can help you become more aware of the issue. Although medical statistics show it is relatively rare, the disease can occur even at a young age, which is why it is advisable to always pay attention to any changes in your breasts. Furthermore, you should know that breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed form of cancer in pregnant women. This is most likely due to the significant fluctuations in hormone levels, which can promote the growth of carcinomas. In medical circles, a distinction is made between different types of breast cancer, each affecting different regions of the tissue or clearly differentiated by its characteristics. The most important of these are ductal, inflammatory, and metastatic carcinoma.