Breast cancer: causes and prevention tips

International Women's Day is marked on March 8 every year. It is a major day of global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women. This women's day the focus is to raise awareness about breast cancer, one the most common cancer in Indian women and women around the globe.

Cancer tends to run in families. The risk for cancer increases for a person if one or more of his family members suffer from the disease.

Genetic predisposition that is, a person may carry genes that make certain normal cells cancerous.

Women who begin menstruating before the age of 12 years or stop after 55 years are more at risk for developing breast cancer.

Women who have not borne children or have had children late in their life (usually after the age of 30 years) are also more at risk.

Obesity or overweight is a condition that is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

Other factors like excessive drinking of alcohol and lack of exercise are also risk factors for breast cancer.

Environmental factors like exposure to harmful radiation, cigarette smoke over a long period of time and pesticides also increases the risk.

In some cases, women who undergo hormone replacement therapy have an increased risk of cancer of the breast.

Obesity or overweight is a condition that is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. By losing extra weight of your body, you can minimise the risk of developing breast cancer.

Examine your breasts every month beginning at the age of 20 years. You should also consult your doctor for self breast exam instructions.

A link exists between alcohol consumption and breast cancer. To protect yourself from breast cancer, consider limiting alcohol to less than one drink a day or avoid alcohol completely.

Breast cancer: causes and prevention tips

Scientists recently found a link between antibiotic use and breast cancer. Longer antibiotics were used, the greater the risk of developing breast cancer.

Experts speculate that estrogen production in fatty tissue may be the link between obesity and breast cancer risk. You must have a balanced and nutritious diet.