That’s the question I asked soon after my mother was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. After all, I was my mother’s daughter and besides indulging in more chips than the average person, my mother was the picture of health.
My mother’s diagnosis came just a few months after I gave birth to my daughter. I knew from my obstetrician (prior to my mom’s diagnosis) that women who gain more than 38 pounds during pregnancy had a 40% higher risk of developing breast cancer after menopause. Mainly due to the fact that higher blood levels of estrogen during pregnancy fuel the growth of abnormal cells that become malignant years later. I gained 33 pounds with my pregnancy so I figured I could cross that one off my list.
I also knew that the risk of breast cancer increases with age – as you get older your risk increases. However, that knowledge still didn’t help me sleep any better at night. I eventually notified my doctor about my mom’s condition and he provided me with vital information. The following are certain lifestyle factors that affect your risk for breast cancer and unlike your age these are ones you have control over:
WEIGHT. Studies show being overweight increases your risk of breast cancer. Ideally, you want to maintain a “normal” weight for a person your height and keep your waist below 31 inches. Doctors say women with waist measurements greater than 34 inches were 30% more likely to develop postmenopausal breast cancer than women whose waists measured less than 28 inches. Breast cancer risk increased due to the estrogens produced by fat tissue in the abdomen. Also, according to doctors, women over 40 who weigh close to what they did in their 20’s, are less likely to get breast cancer. You don’t want to gain any more than 10% of your body weight during adulthood. For example, if you weighed 120 pounds in college, you should weigh no more than 132 pounds throughout adulthood.
EXERCISE. Following a regular exercise regime helps maintain normal estrogen levels. Also, exercise reduces insulin levels, which reduce the growth of abnormal cells.
ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION. Alcohol increases estrogen; doctors recommend limiting your alcohol consumption to one drink a day.
DIET. See if your diet is putting you at risk for breast cancer by clicking here. Research shows that diets rich in processed, refined foods with few fruits and vegetables increase your risk of getting breast cancer.
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