This month, we honor those who have lost loved ones to breast cancer. We also recognize those who have been diagnosed, those in recovery and those celebrating another year in remission. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is also the perfect time to remind both men and women of the preventative measures that can be taken to avoid a breast cancer diagnosis. Some risks like genetic history cannot change. However, there are lifestyle changes that you can make to reduce your risk. The following lifestyle practices not only lower your risk of developing breast cancer but promote an overall healthy lifestyle.

• Eat healthy. A balanced diet consists of:
  • fresh fruits
  • fresh vegetables
  • whole grains
  • legumes
  • nuts
  • lean proteins
• Exercise regularly. Obesity increases the risk of breast cancer. Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight. Experts recommend that healthy adults exercise for 30 minutes 5 times a week.
• Limit alcohol consumption. The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of developing breast cancer. The general recommendation is to limit yourself to no more than one drink a dat.
• Don’t smoke. Research suggests an association between smoking and breast cancer particularly in older women.
• Breastfeed. Breastfeeding may help in breast cancer prevention. The longer you breastfeed the greater the protective effect.

• Know your family history. If you have a family history of breast cancer or inherited changes in your BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes,talk to your doctor about other ways to lower your risk.
• Perform routine self-exams. Doing a self-examination once a month can help you familiarize yourself with how your breasts normally look and feel. Look for any changes in the breast tissue, size and texture. Persistent lumps, dimpling, redness and nipple inversion are all worthy of medical attention.

SCMA Members’ Insurance Trust is proud to bring you these tips on breast cancer prevention. We hope that every month, not just October is breast cancer prevention month in your family.