7 habits that can help reduce your risk of breast cancer

one in 8 women will face breast cancer during their lifetime. To reduce your risk of developing the disease, certain lifestyle habits can be modified. Explanations from Dr. Nathalie Perez, oncologist.

In 2023, 61,214 new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in mainland France. A deadly scourge, which could be alleviated by modifying certain behaviors and lifestyle habits. Because the development of cancer takes “several months, even several years”, assures the National Cancer Institute.

Do physical activity regularly

It’s a fact: practicing regular physical activity reduces the risk of breast cancer.

“When you have had cancer, sport also improves the quality of life and the chances of disease-free survival,” reveals Dr. Nathalie Perez, oncologist at the Franco-British Hospital Institute in Levallois-Perret.

Eat healthy

This is one of the key habits to adopt.

“Eating healthily, low in fat and low in sugar, is essential in the prevention of this cancer,” emphasizes Dr. Perez.

Moreover, both being overweight and obese are risk factors for breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women.

Stop drinking

“Even at low doses, alcohol increases the risk of cancer,” warns the National Cancer Institute. And this is also true in the case of breast cancer.

“Moderating your alcohol consumption is therefore important,” says the oncologist.

Stop smoking

“It is a risk factor in its own right, both in terms of risk and the toxicities of treatments. Women who smoke, for example, develop many more skin problems after breast cancer,” warns the specialist.

Limit hormone intake

Hormone replacement therapy, used to treat symptoms of menopause, may increase the risk of breast cancer.

“Many studies are contradictory on this subject, but a good number of them indicate that it is better to avoid taking hormone replacement treatments,” she warns.

Practice self-palpation regularly

It's a small gesture that makes a difference.

“Pealing yourself regularly, for example when getting out of the shower, allows you to detect breast cancer as early as possible,” assures Dr. Perez.

“Women who have genetic predispositions to breast cancer must benefit from more active surveillance” specifies our expert.

Breast-feed

Breastfeeding would reduce the exposure of breast cells to estrogen; one of the hormones linked to breast cancer.

“Breastfeeding for a prolonged period is indeed a protective factor against breast cancer, the figures show it. But zero risk does not exist. It is only one factor among many others,” warns oncologist.