According to the American Cancer Society, 252,710 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women this year alone. Additionally, nearly 40,610 women will lose their battle with breast cancer. While there are dozens of uncontrollable risk factors, such as age, genetics and an early menstrual period, there are also controllable ones, such as lack of physical activity and unhealthy diet choices, that may increase one's risk for developing breast cancer.
That said, more women can prevent this deadly disease by simply making smarter lifestyle choices. As Ann Malkmus covered in her book, "Unravel the Mystery," there are dozens of daily decisions that can impact one's risk of developing certain cancers and diseases.
"Our diet, lifestyle and thought patterns are major factors to maintaining vibrant health," she wrote. "And the continuous consumption of inferior nutrition causes severe nutritional deficiencies that can lead to serious health problems."
By making smarter lifestyle decisions, you may be able to reduce your risk for breast cancer. Here are a few of our suggestions:
1. Avoid certain common products
According to research published in the National Institutes of Health Journal, Environmental Health Perspectives, reducing your exposure to chemicals found in everyday common household products may reduce your risk for breast cancer. Items like makeup and personal care products are often manufactured with chemicals like triclosan, parabens, oxybenzone and phthalates - do these ingredients sound like something you'd feel comfortable lathering on your skin, only to be soaked into your system? We recommend reducing your exposure to common cosmetics and household items, and instead using natural, organic options.
2. Eliminate sugar intake
To reduce your breast cancer risk, we suggest eliminating sugar from your diet entirely. According to Dr. Mercola, all forms of sugar are detrimental to overall health and can easily promote cancer growth. That's why he suggested limiting your fructose consumption as well.
"All forms of sugar are detrimental to overall health."
"As a general guideline, limit your total fructose intake to less than 25 grams daily," he wrote. "If you have cancer or are insulin resistant, you would be wise to restrict it to 15 grams or less."
Fruits are healthy, of course, but they're still loaded with sugar. Be conscious of this as you plan your daily meals.
3. Increase antioxidant intake
One of the easiest ways to reduce your breast cancer risk is by increasing the amount of antioxidants you're consuming every day. Essentially, they are anti-cancer tools that reduce free radical activity throughout the body.
With proper consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds and proteins, you'll receive the beneficial vitamins and minerals your body needs to thrive. With these essential nutrients, you can fuel a self-healing body - one that's strong enough to defeat potential illness, disease and even breast cancer.
For more information about women's health, read about our Luminology supplements.
