Health A-Z 
According to the U.S. National Cancer Institute, cancer prevention may be considered as an action taken to lower the chances of getting cancer. To prevent cancer from starting, scientists look at risk factors and protective factors. Anything that increases your chance of developing cancer is called a cancer risk factor; anything that decreases your chance of developing cancer is called a cancer protective factor. Find out what healthy breast habits you must start today.
Maintain a healthy weight throughout your life
Knowing your BMI– and lowering it if necessary: Studies show that women whose body mass index (BMI) is at the lower end of the scale for their height lessen their risk of developing breast cancer. Even more important, though, is getting rid of belly fat, which acts like a "hormone pump" releasing estrogen into the bloodstream as well as raising levels of other hormones. Adopting a healthy eating habit and having exercise sessions is a simple way to protect your health.
Consume as many fruits and vegetables as possible
A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables can offer additional protection in breast cancer prevention. Try to eat vegetables containing large amounts of vitamin A and beta-carotene, such as carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, kale, spinach, turnip greens, winter squash, collard greens, cilantro and fresh thyme. To maximize the availability of the carotenoids in the foods, they should be eaten raw or steamed lightly.
Reduce or avoid alcohol
Alcohol use is the most well established dietary risk factor for breast cancer. Studies have shown consuming more than one alcoholic beverage a day can increase breast cancer risk by as much as 20-25 percent.
Examine yourself: know your breasts
Being familiar with your own body and breasts plays an important role to easily detect abnormalities. Examine yourself at a minimum of once a month, preferably in the shower because you can soap up your hands and your fingers can easily glide over your skin making little circles in your armpits, outside breast and working toward the nipple. If there's any change in your nipples or the skin changes to red or orange color, it could be a troublesome sign and you should see a doctor.
Annual cancer-related checkup
In demanding times it's simple to come up with reasons to put off your annual OB/GYN check-up. No matter what the reason is for postponing, it's unlikely to be as convincing as the reasons to schedule, and keeping your appointment.
Some tests are:
- Clinical breast exam (CBE) at least every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over.
- Yearly mammograms for women starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health.
