# Tips for Breast Health and Breast Cancer Prevention

**By Paula Gallagher** · 2012-10-09

Last week we talked about household chemicals and their link to breast cancer. Besides using more natural cleaning alternatives, here are 7 other things that you can do to prevent breast cancer. 1.Exercise.

-   Physical activity is associated with lower risk.
-   Get 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise (walking or swimming), or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise (running).
-   Strength train twice a week.

2.Maintain a healthy weight.

-   Being overweight increases risk, especially after menopause.
-   Eat a balanced diet, including plenty of fibre, fresh fruits and cruciferous vegetables, low-fat dairy products, lean protein, and whole grains.
-   Restrict the intake of fatty foods, refined carbohydrates, and sugared beverages.

3.Limit alcohol intake.

-   The more alcohol consumed, the greater the risk.
-   Limit alcoholic beverages to one a day.

4.Breastfeed longer.

-   The longer a woman breastfeeds, the greater the protective effect against breast cancer.

5.Talk to your doctor about discontinuing hormone therapy.

-   Certain combinations of hormone therapy increases risk.
-   Ask your health care practitioner about safer natural alternatives.

6.Don’t smoke.

-   Long-term smoking is associated with an increased risk.
-   If you do smoke, find a local nonprofit support group, or check out [lung.ca](http://lung.ca/home-accueil_e.php) for tips on how to quit.

7.Avoid environmental pollutants.

-   Whenever possible, limit exposure to vehicle exhaust and air pollution, which studies have linked to increased risk.

**Tags:** breastfeeding, Category_Health Concerns, Exercise, hormones

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> Source: [Village Green Apothecary](https://myvillagegreen.com/blogs/post/tips-for-breast-health-and-breast-cancer-prevention)