Lifestyle Factors & Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is influenced by a combination of factors, including genetics, hormones and lifestyle choices. Recent studies show that lifestyle factors may play a role in decreasing breast cancer risk — even minimal amounts of daily exercise and a healthy diet reduce the risk of breast cancer, ease the side effects of cancer treatment, and may stop the recurrence of cancer in survivorship.

How to decrease your risk through lifestyle adjustments. ↓

Full-body nourishment

Cancer Council suggests that maintaining a balanced diet is essential in promoting breast health and reducing breast cancer risk. This includes adding a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats to support overall wellbeing. Maintaining a healthy weight through proper nutrition can also play a crucial role in reducing breast cancer risk.

Reduce your stress load

Chronic stress is reported to impact overall wellbeing, potentially influencing breast cancer risk. Engaging in stress-reducing activities, such as mindfulness, meditation, or relaxation exercises, can improve mental wellbeing and promote balance in life. Seeking support from friends, family, or professional counsellors during stressful times may help mental health and reduce stress.

Embrace an active lifestyle

Physical inactivity is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer and is responsible for 3.2% of all breast cancer cases. Moreover, this sedentary lifestyle often leads to obesity, which is closely linked to a higher susceptibility to breast cancer. The good news? Engaging in just thirty minutes of moderate-intensity exercise daily, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, can improve overall health, and sixty minutes each day can reduce cancer risk.

Pro tip: To create more sustainable habits, find a physical activity you love doing so it’s easier to incorporate into your daily routine.

Limit alcohol intake

Unfortunately, any amount of alcohol — especially excessive consumption (more than ten standard drinks a week) — increases breast cancer risk as it leads to weight gain and disrupts hormone balance, leading to an overproduction of some breast cancer cells.

To minimise this risk, experts advise women and men to limit their intake to no more than ten standard drinks per week, so try to opt for some delicious non-alcoholic swaps when you can.

Breast check reminder

Enter your details below to receive a friendly reminder to check your breasts every 6 weeks. You’ll receive a short and sharp reminder via SMS and we’ll dazzle you with important information via email to keep you motivated. 

By registering you are subscribing to our communications so we can keep you informed of our activities. If you have any questions, just email info@pinkhope.org.au.

Email only
Email and SMS

Pink Hope is committed to respecting and protecting your privacy. Please read our Privacy Policy.