Breast cancer forms in the cells of the breast and those cells can spread to other parts of the body. Breast cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in women and the second deadliest form of cancer. Symptoms of having breast cancer are changes in the shape of the nipple or breast, bloody discharge from the nipple, a lump in the breast and changes in the texture of the nipple.

Diagnosis of having this disease can be done through MRI, ultrasound, mammogram and biopsy. Preventive care can and should be taken to lower one’s risk of getting this disease:

1. Smoking and breast cancer
Smoking has been linked to breast cancer as well as many other forms of cancer. Cigarette smoke is filled with toxins and can spread to any organ in the body. Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer should definitely refrain from smoking. Smoking can increase complications from their cancer treatment. It’s best not to smoke at all because smoking can cause other diseases as well as cancer . Second hand smoke is just as deadly.

2. Hormone replacement therapy
To reduce the symptoms of menopause some women take hormone replacement therapy. While this may lessen the symptoms they are experiencing it can raise the risk of them getting breast cancer. Cancer survivors should not use HRT because of the link between breast cancer growth and estrogen levels.

3. Radiation exposure
Being exposed to large amounts of radiation could increase the risk of getting breast cancer. Some harmful examples of radiation exposure are sunlight, x-rays, heat, radio waves, alpha, beta and infrared.

4. Weight management
Being overweight puts people at risk for many diseases including different types of cancer. When women are overweight after going through menopause, the chances of them getting breast cancer increases. Women who are overweight have higher insulin levels as well as higher estrogen levels both of which increase the risk of developing cancer. Exercising and eating a nutritious low fat diet is beneficial for weight loss and lowering the risk of developing cancer.

5. Limiting alcohol consumption
Drinking alcohol increases estrogen and hormone levels therefore increasing a woman’s chances of getting cancer. Women who have at least three drinks per week have a higher risk of developing breast cancer than those who don’t drink alcohol at all. It’s best to limit alcohol intake or to eliminate drinking completely. This drastically lowers the risk of developing breast cancer.

6. Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can significantly lessen the risk of developing breast cancer. Breastfeeding lowers estrogen levels which is good because higher estrogen levels can cause cancer cell growth.

7. Exercise
Exercise is important to maintain a healthy weight and lowers the risk of getting cancer. For breast cancer survivors exercise is a good way to prevent cancer from returning. Women with higher levels of estrogen in the blood have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Exercise helps to lower estrogen levels. Exercise also reduces insulin levels therefore lowering the risk of getting breast cancer.