Breast Cancer Awareness: Protecting Yourself & Your Family

Approximately one out of every eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, presents an opportunity to acquaint women with the sobering prevalence of the malignancy as well as familiarize them with protective healthful lifestyle practices. While these preventive measures offer no guarantees, research shows they reduce the likelihood of becoming one of the statistics.

• Manage your weight. The Mayo Clinic reports that obesity increases the risk, especially after menopause.
• Exercise regularly. Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of exercise per week for healthy women.
• Eat a healthy diet. Studies link following the Mediterranean diet and supplementing it with nuts and extra-virgin olive oil to lower the risk. This eating plan consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and fatty fish.
• Don’t smoke or drink. Research indicates an association exists between smoking and breast cancer incidence. Studies also suggest the more alcohol a woman consumes, the higher her chances developing the disease rise.
• As hormone replacement therapy increases the likelihood, women should limit their dose and duration of this medication regimen.
• Use natural deodorants. Since a sizable percentage of breast tumors start in the axillary region, some members of the natural health community advise women to use natural deodorants that contain no aluminum. They also warn against using antiperspirants, because the chemicals prevent the release of toxins through perspiration.

For more information about the latest research discoveries, see October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: What Are Some Promising Advances?

If your loved one has been hospitalized for an injury caused by someone else’s negligence, contact Regan Zambri Long PLLC to speak with a Washington, DC medical malpractice attorney. Fill our an online form or call our office today.