Cancer is the one of the leading causes of death in the UAE, and breast cancer is one of the most common forms. In women, it is the second most common cause of death, after cardiovascular disease, according to the Health Authority-Abu Dhabi, and one in eight women worldwide will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
Women are encouraged to have regular screenings, especially after the age of 40, but there are ways to reduce risk. Smoking, eating unhealthy food, lack of exercise and drinking alcohol can all increase a woman’s chances of developing breast cancer, as can being overweight. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is one of the best defences, not just against breast cancer, but a number of diseases including diabetes.
Exercise more: Regular exercise has more health benefits that simply keeping your weight under control. The National Breast Cancer Foundation in Australia says that increased physical activity, regardless of age, reduces overall breast cancer risk by 10 to 30 per cent. Not only that, it helps to boost HDL (good cholesterol) and decrease unhealthy triglycerides. It also improves mood by stimulating feel-good chemicals in the brain and it boosts energy. At least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, five times a week is recommended for the protective effect.
Eat a healthy diet: A diet high in vegetables and fruit and low in sugary drinks, refined carbohydrates and fatty foods is recommended for overall health. Not only will you be getting the essential nutrients your body needs, it will also help control weight. A list of cancer-fighting foods is included on the next page.
Stop smoking: Recent studies suggest there is a link between long-term heavy smoking and higher risk of breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. It also says that while the evidence linking second-hand smoke to breast cancer is controversial and unclear, minimising exposure to second-hand smoke is still a step in the right direction for your health.
Lose weight: Not only does being overweight increase your risk of developing a number of lifestyle diseases, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, it also increases your risk of breast cancer. This is because fat cells produce oestrogen and excess oestrogen can make hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers develop and grow, according to the American organisation, breastcancer.org. Eating a well-balanced diet high in fresh fruit and vegetables and exercising regularly – at least half an hour a day – should help to keep weight under control.
• To learn more about breast cancer, including the correct technique for self examination, visit the Health Authority-Abu Dhabi's dedicated website, www.haad.ae/simplycheck