Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among Australian women with the risk of being diagnosed sitting at 1 in 7 women over a lifetime 1. There has also been an increase in breast cancer diagnosis of 21% in the last 10 years2.
While some risk factors for breast cancer are beyond your control, such as a family history or mutated BRAC1 and BRAC2 genes3, there are still lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk. 4
- Get Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in regular exercise can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer by supporting a healthy body weight and regulating hormone levels.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Maintaining a healthy body weight reduces the risk of breast cancer, as excess weight is associated with increased estrogen production, a factor in breast cancer development.
- Avoid Carcinogenic Chemicals: Minimise exposure to carcinogenic chemicals found in common products. Be cautious with cosmetics, cleaning agents, and plastics containing potentially harmful compounds like phthalates, parabens, and BPA.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides essential nutrients and antioxidants that help protect against breast cancer. It's also important to limit the consumption of processed foods, which may contain carcinogenic additives.
- Limit Alcohol: Limiting alcohol intake to one standard drink per day or less lowers the risk of breast cancer by minimising potential carcinogenic effects.
- Undertake Regular Screening: Regular breast cancer screening ensures early detection and increases the chances of successful treatment, limiting the impact of the disease.
How can MetLife 360Health help?
If you’re looking to make some lifestyle changes to help reduce your risk of cancer, you can chat to an accredited dietitian through the MetLife 360Health Nutrition Service or get a personalised fitness plan from an exercise physiologist through the MetLife 360Health Fitness and Mobility service.
MetLife 360Health services are included in your insurance coverage without any extra fees.
References:
The information provided in this blog (the Content) is general information only and is not health or medical advice. If you have a health or medical concern, please seek professional medical advice immediately. 360Health services are provided by a third party, Teladoc Health Pty Limited which is a separate and independent entity to MetLife Insurance Limited (ABN 75 004 274 882, AFSL No. 238096) (MetLife). While the Content is based on resources that MetLife believes to be well-documented, MetLife is not responsible for the accuracy of the Content, and you rely on the Content at your own risk. Each person’s condition and health circumstances are unique, and therefore the Content may not apply to you. The Content is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always consult your licensed health care professional for the diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition and before starting or changing your health regimen, including seeking advice regarding what drugs, diet, exercise routines, physical activities or procedures are appropriate for your particular condition and circumstances.
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