Breast cancer is a condition in which abnormal cells in the breasts start multiplying rapidly. It is the second most common cancer in our country and is more prevalent in women than men. Although there is no way to eliminate the risk of breast cancer entirely, some lifestyle changes can help lower a person’s chances. From exercise to eating healthy, this article lists five lifestyle tips to avoid breast cancer.

1. Stay active
The most significant factors that increase a person’s risk of breast cancer are unhealthy food habits and excess body weight. So, including moderate-to-intense exercise in the day-to-day routine can be of great help. Regular exercise helps control body fat percentage and keeps one’s weight under control. Moreover, it also helps reduce stress by releasing endorphins that keep a person’s mood elevated.

2. Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables
Several research studies suggest that having healthy meals that include colorful fruits and vegetables can lower the risk of breast cancer. Eating nutritious meals helps prevent unwanted diseases and disorders. It also helps the body derive essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals for an overall healthy lifestyle. However, while having the right foods, one should simultaneously avoid red meats and other processed items and replace these with organic whole foods instead.

3. Try to avoid stress
Besides taking care of physical health, one should also care for their mental health. If a person has a family history of breast cancer or has been diagnosed with the BRCA gene mutation, it is natural to feel worried. In such a situation, one can incorporate yoga and meditation into their daily routine to lower stress levels. Practicing different breathing exercises can also reduce stress and improve a person’s mental health.

4. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption
Smoking and alcohol consumption are said to be trigger factors for almost all forms of cancer. Therefore, eliminating these habits can help prevent breast cancer as well as other forms of cancer that one may be at risk of. According to a particular research, drinking three alcoholic beverages per week can increase the risk by 15% in women.

5. Increase vitamin D intake
It has been observed that people who incorporate lower amounts of vitamin D in their daily routine are at a higher risk of breast cancer than those who have it in sufficient quantities. One can increase their vitamin D intake by eating the right foods or incorporating additional supplements to make up for any deficiencies. Dairy products, cereals, and early morning sunlight are excellent sources of this vitamin.

The most common symptom that alerts women of the possibility of breast cancer is the occurrence of lumps around their breasts. On noticing any such sign, one must not delay and get diagnosed immediately. Timely detection and prompt treatment are key in the fight against breast cancer.