May Lower Your Risk for Breast Cancer

While scientists are still debating the connection between lifestyle and breast cancer, there are small things you can do right now that may lower your risk for this disease. Think moderation, balance and variety for starters. Those three words are the keystones of a nutritious diet. Add ease, harmony and exercise, and you have the framework for a lifestyle that may help to lower the risk of breast cancer.

In creating this lifestyle, the most sensible step is to eat well. While this is important for women of all ages, it is especially important for postmenopausal women, since weight gain has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in women. Pay attention every day to the foods you eat and understand their nutritional contribution to your health and well-being. All choices are personal, but some are too smart to ignore.

For starters, choose smaller serving sizes and count calories. Decrease total fat intake and increase your consumption of fiber by increasing use of whole grain products and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Other smart dietary choices include eating low-fat dairy products high in calcium. Pass on chips and instead snack on whole fruit such as apples and pears with skins on. Use bran cereals to "top off" your regular bowl of unsweetened cereal. Don't neglect crunchy vegetables like cabbage, Brussels sprouts and broccoli.

There are also little things you can do to make mealtime a pleasure. Eat only when you're truly hungry. Sit down while you eat and turn off the TV. Hang up or turn off the phone. You'll be able to completely enjoy your meal.

Regular exercise is an essential balancing block in a lifestyle to help reduce your risk of breast cancer. Exercise, particularly for younger women, may decrease hormone levels that can increase chances of developing breast cancer. A brisk 20-minute walk is now considered as beneficial as an aerobics session or intense weight workout.

Once you start making dietary changes and sustain them over time, every time you pick up your fork or head for the grocery store, it becomes easier. You'll also feel the satisfaction of doing something good for yourself and your body.