In the fight against the increasing threat of breast cancer, adopting specific nutritional and lifestyle decisions can play a crucial role in preventing this disease. The escalating issue of breast cancer, particularly in urban settings, is now prominently linked to lifestyle choices and nutritional status. While age and gender were initially the main risk factors, the situation has evolved over time.
During an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Meghal Sanghavi, a Surgical Oncologist at Wockhardt Hospitals in Mumbai Central, mentioned, “The adoption of a Westernized lifestyle has become a significant factor contributing to the increase in breast cancer cases in countries like India. Risk factors, which were once confined to age and gender, have expanded to encompass alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, and heightened stress levels. Sedentary lifestyles and a shift towards processed, unhealthy food have introduced hormonal changes, and early menarche and late menopause also play a role in the escalating rates of breast cancer. Nevertheless, these risk factors are not insurmountable.”
The health professional recommended adopting a structured way of life, giving importance to regular physical activity, and rediscovering our cultural heritage to navigate the contemporary world with greater mindfulness. Finding a balance is essential, acknowledging that there’s a limit to pursuing a highly modernized lifestyle, and it’s crucial to revert to the fundamental principles of well-being. By making conscious decisions and reconnecting with our cultural roots, we can effectively counteract the rising incidence of breast cancer, making prevention an attainable objective.
Affirming the significant role of lifestyle decisions in preventing breast cancer, Preetam Jain, a Medical Oncologist at Bhatia Hospital in Mumbai, highlighted, “As we explore the intricate connection between personal choices and health, it becomes clear that specific lifestyle choices can greatly impact the likelihood of developing breast cancer. Factors such as delayed marriages, nulliparity, and the absence of breastfeeding contribute to this risk. Additionally, sedentary habits and obesity, particularly post-menopause, increase the susceptibility to breast cancer. Another aspect of lifestyle choices involves the use of hormonal pills containing estrogen therapy, which may be linked to breast cancer. These decisions are highly individualized, and the associated risk needs careful evaluation.”
He concluded, emphasizing the importance of heeding warning labels on such pills that highlight the potential association with breast cancer. Regarding nutrition and lifestyle, a stressful, hectic routine, combined with habits like smoking, alcohol consumption, and insufficient physical activity, can elevate the risk of breast cancer. Regular exercise and a well-balanced diet free from junk foods and high-calorie, fatty diets are crucial. Just 20 minutes of daily exercise, five days a week, can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer. In the fight against this growing threat, it’s evident that the choices made in daily life can play a crucial role in the pursuit of breast cancer prevention.
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