What Should We Do to Prevent Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer
Weight gain increases the risk of breast cancer. This effect becomes even more pronounced in the post-menopausal period. This is because the source of estrogen after menopause is mainly fat tissue in the body. In other words, most of the estrogen in women is synthesized in the fat tissue in the body. Studies show that overweight distribution is also important in this sense.
It is known that women who are overweight in the abdomen and upper body region have a different hormone profile than women whose excess weight is concentrated in the hip and leg area. Researchers argue that women with type 1 have a higher risk of breast cancer. Because these women have lower sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and more of the estrogen floating free. The likelihood of free-flowing estrogen binding to breast tissue increases.
Avoid female hormone medications as much as possible
Older women receive female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) initiated after menopause. Combination therapies containing progesterone as well as estrogen are thought to be more risky than estrogen-only treatments. Therefore, hormones should not be used without medical reasons.
Exercise regularly
Regular exercise provides weight control and balances high estrogen levels. It is also known that regular sports strengthen the immune system.
Studies show that exercising regularly, at least four days a week during the premenopausal period, significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer. Postmenopausal sports become even more important. Because weight gain during this period increases the estrogen level and increases the risk of breast cancer.
Reduce your alcohol consumption
Studies show that people who drink alcohol regularly have a 40 percent higher risk of breast cancer than those who do not drink alcohol. This finding is explained by the fact that alcohol affects estrogen metabolism and increases the blood estrogen level.
Quit smoking
Smoking increases the risk of developing many cancers, including breast cancer. For this reason, it is of great importance to exercise regularly and not to smoke in order to live a healthy life.
Can breast cancer be prevented with medication?
Preventive hormone therapy can be initiated in women who are considered to be in the high risk group for breast cancer. For this purpose, medicines containing tamoxifen and raloxifene active ingredients are used. Studies show that the incidence of breast cancer in women in the high risk group has decreased by up to 50 percent with such drugs. These drugs, which have some side effects, especially easier blood clotting, are started by the physician after clinical control.
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