SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
October’s breast cancer awareness efforts offer North Alabama women an opportunity to examine everyday habits associated with risk, alongside conversations about their personal and family health histories.
The American Cancer Society identifies alcohol use, physical inactivity, and excess body weight after menopause among breast cancer risk factors that can be modified. Having a risk factor does not mean a person will develop breast cancer, and reducing risk cannot guarantee prevention.
Regular movement is one recommended step. The society recommends that adults get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous activity, each week. Walking, dancing, and leisure bicycling are examples of moderate activity, according to its prevention guidance.
Alcohol deserves attention as well. The society reports that breast cancer risk increases with alcohol consumption and says avoiding alcohol is best for cancer prevention. Excess body weight after menopause is also associated with increased breast cancer risk, although the relationship between weight and breast cancer is complex.
For overall cancer prevention, the organization recommends an eating pattern featuring vegetables, whole fruits, beans and whole grains, while limiting red and processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages and highly processed foods. The emphasis is on the overall pattern of eating.
These recommendations provide practical starting points for a health conversation. Women can discuss their activity, alcohol use, and weight concerns with their care team while reviewing other factors that influence their individual risk.