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Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for women in Saudi Arabia.
With breast cancer diagnosis rates increasing across the Kingdom, Destination and 10KSA collaborate to explain how simple lifestyle changes can greatly reduce your risk.
Go for Regular Check-Ups and Self-Examine
One of the most effective ways to cure breast cancer is by early detection, and this can be achieved via frequent check-ups and by learning to examine your breasts for lumps and changes.
Learn About Your Family History
Individuals are more likely to be at risk for breast cancer, if there is a strong family history of breast cancer incidence. If you’ve had one first-degree female relative (sister, mother, daughter) diagnosed with breast cancer, your risk is doubled.Become informed about your family’s health history in order to remain at the forefront of the cancer battle.
Nutrition
Healthy eating habits support good health. Make sure to have a balanced diet with fruits, nuts and seeds, vegetables, and whole grains. Cut down on red meat and eat more fish. Avoid foods that have low fiber, high sugar content and high in sodium.
Be Active
Taking part in a regular exercise routine is essential for overall health and wellbeing. Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, which may consequently help reduceyour chances of getting breast cancer. A short 30-minutedaily workout can significantly improve your overall health and reduce your cancer risk.For post-menopausal women, it is advisable to work out at least 5 hours/week.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Obesity is believed to increase the risk of breast cancer, and this is especially true for post-menopausal women.The increased risk of postmenopausal breastcancer is thought to be due to increased levels of estrogen in obese women. After menopause, when the ovaries stop producing hormones, fat tissue becomes the most important source of estrogen. Because obese women have more fat tissue, their estrogen levels are higher, potentially leading to more rapid growth of estrogen-responsive breast tumors.Keeping your weight down and staying fit will improve your physical health as well as your overall feeling of wellbeing.
Quit Smoking
One has an increased risk of cancer because tobacco products and secondhand smoke have many chemicals that damage DNA. Consult a doctor to help facilitate a quitting program.
Breastfeed
There are many studies that promote the linkage between the benefits of breastfeeding in reducing the risks associated with breast cancer. Women with a family history reduced their risk of getting breast cancer before menopause by nearly 60% if they breastfed.
