Breast cancer is a deadly disease that affects millions of women worldwide. According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, breast cancer is by far the most common cancer among women worldwide, accounting for 25% of all cancer cases.

In the United States, one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

While there are many known risk factors for breast cancer, such as age, family history, and genetic mutations, there are also a number of things women can do to reduce their risk of developing the disease.

One of these things is focusing on the flip side of breast cancer risk factors. In this article, we’ll explore the flip side of some of the most common breast cancer risk factors and how they can help guard against the disease.

Body weight and physical activity

Being overweight or obese is a known risk factor for many types of cancer, including breast cancer. However, focusing on maintaining a healthy weight can also be a way to guard against breast cancer.

Regular physical activity is key to maintaining a healthy weight, and studies have shown that exercise can be protective against breast cancer.

A study published in the British Journal of Cancer found that women who exercised regularly for at least 30 minutes a day had a 13% lower risk of developing breast cancer compared to women who did not exercise.

This is because physical activity can help regulate hormones that are linked to breast cancer risk, such as estrogen and insulin.

Diet

Some studies have suggested that certain foods or diets may increase the risk of breast cancer, such as diets high in saturated fats or processed meats. However, focusing on a healthy diet can also be a way to guard against breast cancer.

A study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that women who followed a Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and olive oil, had a 40% lower risk of developing breast cancer compared to women who did not follow a Mediterranean diet. This is because the diet is rich in antioxidants, which can help prevent cell damage that can lead to cancer.

Alcohol consumption

Alcohol consumption is a known risk factor for breast cancer, with studies suggesting that even moderate alcohol consumption can increase the risk of the disease.

However, focusing on the flip side of alcohol consumption can also be a way to guard against breast cancer.

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that women who drank moderate amounts of alcohol, such as one drink a day, but also consumed folate (a B vitamin found in leafy green vegetables, beans, and fortified foods), had a lower risk of breast cancer compared to women who drank alcohol but did not consume folate. This is because folate can help repair damaged DNA that can lead to cancer.

Smoking

Smoking is a known risk factor for many types of cancer, including breast cancer. However, focusing on the flip side of smoking can also be a way to guard against breast cancer.

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that women who had quit smoking for at least 10 years had a similar risk of breast cancer compared to women who had never smoked.

This is because quitting smoking can help reduce the risk of developing many types of cancer, including breast cancer.

Hormone replacement therapy

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment that is often used to manage the symptoms of menopause, but it is also a known risk factor for breast cancer. However, focusing on the flip side of HRT can also be a way to guard against breast cancer.

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that women who used HRT for less than three years did not have an increased risk of breast cancer compared to women who did not use HRT.

In fact, the study found that short-term use of HRT may actually be protective against breast cancer. This is because HRT can help reduce hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause, which can improve overall quality of life.

Conclusion

Breast cancer is a complex disease with many known risk factors. However, focusing on the flip side of these risk factors can also be a way to guard against the disease.

Maintaining a healthy weight, following a healthy diet, consuming alcohol in moderation but also consuming folate, quitting smoking, and using HRT for short periods of time can all be ways to reduce the risk of breast cancer.