Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Doctors share 5 health tips for working women to reduce risk | Today’s news
October is known as breast cancer awareness month. The annual reminder aims to educate people about breast health, promote early detection and support those affected.
Since it’s October, let’s dive deeper into what women can do to reduce their risk of breast cancer.
In the midst of long working hours, daily stress, tension and personal responsibilities, preventive care can easily fall by the wayside for working women. While breast cancer has no single cause, risk factors such as age, genetic makeup, hormones, reproductive history, and lifestyle factors all play a major role.
According to doctors and health experts, potentially modifiable factors, including physical inactivity, being overweight, especially after menopause, alcohol consumption and smoking, can easily increase the likelihood of breast cancer, one of the most common forms of cancer in women.
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, women can take some measures to reduce their controllable risks, stay alert for changes in their breasts, and follow recommended screening guidelines to improve the chances of early detection.
Healthy body weight
Dr. Pragati Singhal, breast oncology and oncoplastic surgery at Narayana RN Tagore Hospital, Kolkata, told LiveMint that maintaining a healthy body weight is important for women.
“EExcess body weight, especially after menopause, affects hormones that are involved in the development of breast cancer. Exercise is also essential and it is very important for women to engage in regular physical activity regardless of their busy lives,” she explained.
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Eating habits
One is advised to choose a balanced diet instead of looking for “anti-cancer” food.
Simple steps like cutting down on junk and highly processed foods can help women lead healthier lives overall.
“There is no specific food that can guarantee protection against breast cancer. And despite what social media may tell you, there is no scientifically proven ‘detox’ program or miracle supplement that can prevent it,” said Dr. Sourav Bhowmik, director of histopathology and cytopathology at Suraksha Diagnostic Limited in Kolkata.
Unhealthy habits such as excessive alcohol consumption and smoking are associated with an increased risk of cancer.
Daily exercise
Working women have to solve their own problems sedentary lifestyle and regular physical activity.
Follow the screening instructions
The fifth and probably most neglected step in breast cancer prevention is not neglecting breast health due to a busy lifestyle.
“Women need to know what their breasts normally look and feel like and consult a doctor about any concerning changes, such as a new lump, a change in breast shape or size, skin or nipple changes, or unusual discharge. In addition, they need to talk to their doctor about appropriate screening tests based on their age and any other risk factors they may have.
“The essence of prevention is not the absence of risk, it is the limitation of all risks that can be reduced and the timely assessment of any worrying symptoms. For working women, attention to breast health should be seen as routine preventive care rather than something to attend to in case of a problem,” she added.
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Family history
Dr. Sourav Bhowmik pointed out that knowing family history can also help women with early detection.
“Family history is an important risk factor for breast cancer. Some women inherit genetic changes that increase their risk of breast cancer and other cancers. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the best-known examples. But having a relative with breast cancer does not mean you will develop breast cancer. Most breast cancers are not caused by an inherited cancer syndrome. It is important to recognize when a family history warrants a closer warning,” Dr. Bhowmik
