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There may not be a cure for breast cancer but there sure are things you can do to avoid getting it in the first place. Knowing your breasts is a vital part of knowing your body and many women don’t actually know how to take proper care of them. Although genetics plays a huge part when it comes to your chance of getting breast cancer there are some things that you can do everyday to lower your risk.

Exercise

Studies have shown that women who exercise regularly lower their risk of developing breast cancer when compared to inactive women. Exercise lowers oestrogen levels which is good as oestrogen helps in the development of cancerous cell changes in breasts. A healthy weight also lowers your risk of cancer and boosts your immune system.

Alcohol

Consuming alcohol can increase your risk of getting breast cancer. Drinking red wine can, however, lower your risk of heart disease but it’s recommended to consume not more than one drink a day. If you do have a high genetic risk of getting breast cancer and not heart disease it is wise to cut back on alcohol completely.

Babies

Women you don’t have children or women who only have children after 30 also increase their risk of getting breast cancer. Being pregnant at a young age and multiple times decreases your chance of breast cancer. It is thought that the reason for this is because pregnant women have fewer menstrual cycles. Breast feeding can also lower your risk of getting breast cancer, too. If you are avoiding pregnancy then be aware that taking birth control pills for too long can also increase your risk of breast cancer.

Just be careful

Don’t be afraid to feel and touch your breast as it is wise to get to know them – this way you will know if any unnatural lumps develop. If you do feel like you may have a cancer lump then go down to your doctor and get it checked out immediately – many women survive breast cancer, provided it’s caught early enough.

Tags: alcohol, Breast cancer, cancer, exercise