Breast Friends Support Breast Cancer Prevention
Published Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Breast Friends Support Breast Cancer Prevention
Caitlund Davidson, Health Promotion and Communications Planner
Friends play a crucial role in supporting us throughout life, especially when it comes to taking care of our health. Whether it's motivational words during a tough workout, a listening ear when we need to talk about concerns, or simply being a source of companionship, our friends offer invaluable support. Friends can also help us to adopt healthier habits. Together you can learn new recipes and cook healthy meals, volunteer for a local organization or try a fitness class. You may not realize it, but these healthy activities and lifestyle choices can help to prevent certain types of cancer, including breast cancer.
Some risk factors are out of our control but here are five ways that you and your friends can help to reduce your risk of breast cancer.
- Limit alcohol consumption. When it comes to cancer prevention, there is no safe amount of alcohol. The less alcohol you drink, the lower your cancer risk.
- Live smoke free. Although we think of smoking as causing lung cancer, it also increases the risk of many types of cancer — including breast cancer. Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your overall health and to reduce your risk of cancer.
- Stay active. There is evidence to support that regular physical activity is associated with reduced risk of breast cancer. Adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity each week.
- Learn about your family history. About five to ten percent of breast cancers are hereditary, meaning it runs in the family. Talk to your family about their medical history to find out if any relatives have had breast cancer.
- Get screened regularly. The Ontario Breast Screening Program recommends that most women, as well as trans and nonbinary people ages 50 to 74 who qualify for the program get checked with mammography every two years. Early detection of breast cancer through a screening mammogram means that it’s less likely to have spread and there’s a better chance of treating it successfully.
Another great way to learn more about your risk for breast cancer is by visiting www.mycanceriq.ca. Here you can take the My CancerIQ assessment and get your personalized plan to reduce your risk of breast cancer and five other types of cancer.
We’re recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October by kicking off our #BreastFriends photo contest! Friends often serve as a reminder of the importance of self-care and encourage us to prioritize our health. We want to see what you and your best friends do to stay healthy. Is it hiking, calling and reminding each other to book your doctor’s appointments, cooking a healthy meal, shopping, or another fun activity? To participate in this contest and other Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities, visit our social media pages @ScreenforLifeCoachNorthwest.