October Newsletter 
Lifestyle Choices that May Help to Reduce Breast Cancer Risk 
Unless you have a history of breast cancer in your family, you may be one of the many women who believe breast cancer will not affect you. The truth is that all women, even those with no family history of the disease, can be affected by breast cancer. The good news is everyone can do things in their daily lives that may help to decrease their breast cancer risk. 
Lifestyle is something you can control. It plays a major factor in the development of many cancers and diseases. According to the MayoClinic. com, the following list of lifestyle changes may help decrease your risk of developing breast cancer: 
1. A link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer has been discovered, but how strong the link is remains to be determined. To protect yourself, limit your alcohol intake to one drink a day or avoid it altogether. 
2. Maintain a healthy weight. A clear link between obesity and breast cancer has been discovered. To maintain a healthy weight, you should not weigh more than what is appropriate for your age and your height. Weight gain after menopause has a very strong connection to breast cancer. Experts believe that estrogen production in fatty tissue may be a link between obesity and breast cancer. 
3. Stay active. Regular exercise will help you maintain a healthy weight and may aid in reducing breast cancer risk. Experts recommend 30 minutes of 
 
 exercise most days of the week. 4. Limit fat in your diet. Numerous studies have shown a definite link 
between diets low in fat and a slight decrease in risk for invasive breast cancer. While reducing fat in your diet will not only help you to maintain your weight, you will also be reducing your risk for stroke, heart disease and diabetes. Experts recommend a fat intake of less than 35 percent of your daily calories and restrict your consumption of foods high in saturated fats. 5. Quit smoking. Eliminating smoking can reduce your risk for many cancers including lung, pancreatic, kidney and breast. 
Please remember, these healthy lifestyle tips are not just for women. Men can get breast cancer too. Men and women who live a healthier lifestyle, will reduce their risk of not only breast and other cancers, but heart disease, stroke and diabetes. 
With October as Breast Cancer Awareness month, it's a great time to remind the women in your life (and men!) to include a monthly self breast check and to encourage everyone to consider making healthier lifestyle choices. For additional information on breast cancer, please visit: georgiahealthinfo.gov.