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Free radicals are chemicals that attack proteins and DNA. When segments of the DNA are damaged, specifically those that control cell growth, cancer cells can develop. Diets that are high in fiber and low in fat decrease the formation of free radicals, and, subsequently, reduce the risk. Regular intake of anti-oxidants and vitamins such as Vitamins E and C also reduce the risk of getting it.

It is recommended that one should engage in regular physical activity as this helps in maintaining weight as well as gives hormonal balance, both of which can reduce the risk of breast cancer. Exercise need not be intense or for long periods of time. At least 30 minutes to an hour should be devoted to exercise.

High alcohol consumption is considered a breast cancer risk factor. There is therefore the need to limit alcohol intake regardless of the type and alcohol content of the beverage consumed. It is recommended that alcohol be limited to not more than one drink a day or preferably completely avoided.

Chemoprevention

To reduce the risk, one may use drugs and this is called chemoprevention. For breast cancer prevention, a chemical called selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) is used.

Breast cancer cells need estrogen in order to grow. These cells have receptors that bind estrogen. What an SERM does is to block estrogen absorption in the receptors by occupying it, causing the cancer cells to stop its growth. There are two SERMs available.

The first drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for breast cancer treatment is used for both early and advanced stages of breast cancer. It is also proven to decrease lumps and cysts. However, there are side effects to this drug, among them, increased uterine cancer risk, weight gain, vaginal discharges and others.

There is another approved drug to prevent osteoporosis in most post-menopausal women and studies show that it can reduce the risk of breast cancer. What makes this drug better is that ,unlike the former, it does not increase uterine cancer risk.

These drugs must be taken with caution and doctor's approval. One should also read more information about the drugs, its side effects, and results of the studies made on it, especially regarding the effectiveness and safety of these drugs.

Prophylactic surgery

Prophylactic or preventive mastectomy is the surgical removal of the breast or both breasts. This may be done if a woman has a moderate to high risk. Studies show that it can reduce the risk by 90%. However, not all breast tissues may be removed after surgery, so there is still the risk that cancer will develop in these tissues.

Prophylactic oophorectomy also reduces the risk of breast cancer as well as ovarian cancers. In this procedure, the ovaries are removed by surgery.

But before any woman considers any of these, it is important that this be discussed carefully with the doctor. A second opinion may also be helpful.

These are some of the strategies to breast cancer prevention. The key is in knowing the risk factors and working to reduce or avoid those, but there is no guarantee that one may never get breast cancer and that is why regular breast examination and mammograms are advised. While breast cancer may not be totally avoided or prevented, it can be treated and cured if discovered at its early stage.

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