Although there is nothing you can do to definitively avoid developing breast cancer, there are still measures you can take to lower your risk of developing the disease. According to a new study by the University of Granada, managing your weight could be one preventive measure.
Researchers studied 524 women who had breast cancer. They found that both obese women (especially those determined to have morbid obesity) and women who first got their periods between the ages of 9 and 10 exhibited a tendency to develop the cancer at a younger age. These findings were contrary to previous studies linking a higher body mass index (BMI) with a reduced risk of developing breast cancer.
Of course, these two factors (obesity and menstruation age) are certainly not the only ones to be considered; genetics and family history also affect the likelihood of breast cancer—early breast cancer at that. And while there is little to nothing women can do about their genetics or the age at which they began menstruating, working toward a fit and healthy body is something that is within our control. In addition, women who fall under the risk categories mentioned should make it a point to perform regular breast self-exams and, if they choose, get regular screenings for the cancer via a mammogram.
If you’re looking to lose weight and lead a healthier lifestyle, you may want to check out the following articles on FN:
For more articles on breast cancer, read the following:
(Main photo by Caitlin Regan/Caitlinator via Flickr Creative Commons; breast cancer awareness ribbon by MesserWoland via Wikimedia Commons)
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