Building Strong Families October 2014 Volume 8 Issue 2 Can breast cancer be prevented? There is no sure way to prevent breast cancer. But there are things all women can do that might reduce their risk and help increase the odds that if cancer does occur, it will be found at an early, more treatable stage. You can lower your risk of breast cancer by changing those risk factors that can be changed. Body weight, physical activity, and diet have all been linked to breast cancer, so these might be areas where you can take action. Both increased body weight and weight gain as an adult are linked with a higher risk of breast cancer after menopause. Alcohol also increases risk of breast cancer. Even low levels of alcohol intake have been linked with an increase in risk. Many studies have shown that moderate to vigorous physical activity is linked with lower breast cancer risk. A diet that is rich in vegetables, fruit, poultry, fish, and low-fat dairy products has also been linked with a lower risk of breast cancer in some studies. But it is not clear if specific vegetables, fruits, or other foods can lower risk. Most studies have not found that lowering fat intake has much of an effect on breast cancer risk. At this time, the best advice about diet and activity to possibly reduce the risk of breast cancer is to: O Get regular, intentional physical activity. O Reduce your lifetime weight gain by limiting your calories and getting regular physical activity. O Avoid or limit your alcohol intake. For more information, see our document American Cancer Society Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention at http://www.cancer.org/ cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-prevention. With JOY,
Extension Agent for FCS
Cooperative Extension Service Hickman County 329 James H. Phillips Dr. Clinton, KY 42031 (270) 653-2231 Fax: (270) 653-4754 www.ca.uky.edu/ces
Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices
PG1,7,8 Nurturing Families
PG1,3,9 Embracing Life As We Age
PG1,3,7 Securing Financial Stability
PG2,5 Promoting Healthy Homes & Communities
PG1,8 Accessing Nutritious Foods
PG4,6 “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure ” ― Benjamin Franklin
Empowering Community Leaders
PG1,2, 3,7 Upcoming Events
PG2