Everyday lifestyle choices can determine breast cancer risk

The risk of breast cancer can be reduced by up to 42 per cent, according to the Irish Cancer Society. With the Society’s breast cancer campaign Paint it Pink now underway, the Society is calling on the public to make simple lifestyle changes which can help prevent breast cancer. Most recent figures from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland show that in 2011, 2,863 people were diagnosed with breast cancer making it the most prevalent cancer in women after non-melanoma skin cancer.

Research has found that adults who increase their physical activity and who are a healthy weight can reduce their risk of breast cancer significantly. The Society is encouraging the public to find out more about cancer prevention and consider making small changes in their everyday lives to reduce their risk of cancer.

Kevin O’Hagan, Health Promotion Manager said: “The chance of getting many of the common cancers, including breast cancer, is strongly influenced by a person’s lifestyle. The good news is that you can significantly reduce your risk of getting breast cancer by making simple, everyday healthy lifestyle choices. We are calling on the public to take the opportunity to protect themselves from breast cancer in any way possible.”

How to reduce the Risk of Breast Cancer:

• Be a healthy weight 
  Being overweight after the menopause can increase your risk of breast cancer. This is because fat cells in your body increase hormones and high levels of certain hormones in turn increase your cancer risk. Try to be a healthy weight by eating a healthy diet and being active.
   
• Be active 
  Women who are physically active have a lower risk of breast cancer than less active women. Try to do at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on five or more days a week. Moderate physical activity is any movement that makes you feel warm and breathe a little deeper. 
   
• Limit alcohol 
  Drinking alcohol increases your risk of breast cancer. The more you cut down on alcohol, the more you can reduce your risk. Limit your risk by drinking no more than one standard drink a day.
   
• Breastfeed your baby
  Breastfeeding helps to protect mothers from breast cancer. It is best to breastfeed your baby for the first six months if possible. The longer a woman breastfeeds her baby, the more she reduces her breast cancer risk. 
   
• Don’t smoke
  Some recent research suggests that smoking may increase the risk of breast cancer. It is important to note that smoking causes 30 per cent of all cancers. For advice, support and information visit www.quit.ie.
   
• Attend screening 
  Attend breast cancer screening when called between the ages of 50 and 64 years. Visit www.breastcheck.ie.

Anyone who is concerned about breast cancer can call the Irish Cancer Society’s National Cancer Helpline Freefone 1800 200 700 or drop into one of the Society’s Daffodil Centres to speak to a specialist cancer nurse.

This October the Irish Cancer Society is calling on men and women all over Ireland to come together to fight breast cancer by taking part in the Paint it Pink campaign. The campaign is all about doing something big or small to paint it pink during October by hosting a pink event or doing something pink, sharing pictures of your activity on social media using the hashtag #PINKPICS and texting the world Pink to 50300 to donate €4* to the Society. For more information, visit www.paintitpink.ie.

* All €4 goes to the Society unless a provider applies VAT when a minimum of €3.25 will go to the Society. Service provided by LikeCharity 01-4433890