There are so many reasons to make your health a priority. You’ll feel better. You’ll be better able to take care of all the things–and people–that need your attention. And you’ll decrease your risk of different types of cancer and other health conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

When it comes to breast cancer, there are some lifestyle factors research has shown to decrease risk. Here are 4 things everyone can do for their breast health.

And for the new, soon-to-be, and someday-mothers among us, there’s one more thing you can do to reduce your breast cancer risk.

  • Breastfeed. You may have heard that breastfeeding is good for babies, but did you know it has benefits for mothers too? One of those benefits: a lower risk of breast cancer.

What about diet?

Research has found lots of reasons to eat a healthy diet, but the jury’s still out about whether or how dietary choices affect breast cancer risk. Here are some guidelines for healthy eating that may decrease your risk of some cancers.

  • Eat at least 2 ½ cups of fruits and vegetables every day.
  • Choose 100 percent whole grain foods such as 100 percent whole grain breads and cereals, brown rice, millet and quinoa.
  • Limit red meat and processed meat. Choose chicken, fish or beans more often.
  • Limit “bad” fats (saturated and trans fats). These are found in foods such as red meat, fatty deli meats, poultry skin, full fat dairy, fried foods, margarine, donuts and microwave popcorn.
  • Eat “good” fats (polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats). These are found in foods such as olive and canola oil, nuts and natural nut butters, avocado and olives.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website www.choosemyplate.gov has free tools to help you set weight and activity goals for healthy living. The American Cancer Society also has lots of information about diet and health. Susan G. Komen’s® website has more detail about how different lifestyle factors affect breast cancer risk.

Living your healthiest life is a great step toward reducing your breast cancer risk, but it’s not enough on its own. It’s also important to know your risk, get screened regularly and pay attention to your breasts so you can take action if you notice a change. The truth is no one can control whether they get breast cancer—but there’s a lot we can control to keep ourselves, and our breasts, as healthy as possible.

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