Breast cancer is a deadly disease that must be avoided. Check out the various ways to prevent breast cancer below.
Breast cancer continues to be a scourge for women around the world, including Indonesia. According to data from the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) in January 2019, the incidence of breast cancer in Indonesia reached 42.1 cases per 100,000 population.
Breast cancer is defined as abnormal cell growth in the breast organ. This condition can cause the main symptom of a lump in the breast.
The researchers suspect that the incidence of the disease is related to a genetically inherited gene mutation. Although the exact cause is not known, you can do many things that can reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.
Here's how to prevent breast cancer that all women need to know:
1. Maintain Ideal Body Weight
The first way to prevent breast cancer is to maintain an ideal body weight. Being overweight or obese is considered to be a risk factor for breast cancer, especially after menopause.
The American Cancer Society recommends maintaining body weight throughout life by balancing food intake with physical activity.
2. Always Be Physically Active
To maintain an ideal body weight, physical activity is definitely needed. Research shows that moderate to heavy physical activity can reduce the risk of breast cancer.
The American Cancer Society recommends that you get 150 - 300 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.
3. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables that contain antioxidants are also highly recommended as a way to prevent breast cancer naturally. The intake of antioxidants has been shown to be useful in warding off free radicals that can damage body cells.
4. Avoid Alcohol
The more alcohol or alcoholic foods you drink, the higher your risk of developing breast cancer. So, one way to prevent breast cancer that is easily recognized is to avoid alcohol.
Although there is a limit to consuming as much as one glass per day, even small portions can still increase the risk of cancer.
5. No Smoking
Cigarettes are carcinogens or substances that can trigger cancer growth. These substances are actually not only found in cigarettes, but also in various foods.
By not smoking, you reduce your exposure to carcinogens and thus minimize the risk of breast cancer.
7. Limit the use of hormone drugs
The use of hormone drugs such as birth control pills should be limited to no more than 5 years. Women who take hormone drugs for more than 5 years, increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
8. Avoid Post-Menopausal Hormone Medication
Post- menopausal hormone drugs are usually taken to prevent chronic diseases, such as osteoporosis or heart disease.
These drugs are reported to have a mixed effect, namely increasing the risk of some diseases and lowering the risk of other diseases.
Therefore, if you are using this medicine, make sure it is according to your doctor's instructions and is taken as short as possible.
9. Routine BSE
The way to prevent the next breast cancer is to apply BSE. What technique is that?
BSE is a breast examination technique that is simple and can be done alone. This technique is easy and can be practiced at any time.
If you find a lump or a lump that is felt to be enlarged on touch, immediately go to the doctor for an examination.
10. Perform Periodic Mammography Examination
This examination is recommended for women who are over 45 years of age. This examination can be done once a year or once every 3 years. Another recommended examination is breast ultrasound.