One of the most common types of cancer that women encounter worldwide is breast cancer. According to Sun et al. (2017), this disease was the cause of approximately 570,000 deaths in 2015. For this reason, individuals must be aware of the actions that would help prevent the appearance of breast cancer and familiar with how to support close people with breast cancer.
Even though such factors as the age and family history are out of control, certain actions can help to reduce the risk of the disease. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021) recommends maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, excluding or limiting alcohol consumption, and/or breastfeeding a baby, if applicable. Also, National Cancer Institute (2021) suggests that certain medicines (tamoxifen and raloxifene), vitamins (vitamin D), minerals, and food supplements (fish oil, ginger, and green tea) can effectively reduce the risks of breast cancer appearance. Nevertheless, as each person’s situation is different and may necessitate additional preventive measures, it is highly recommended to consult a specialist.
For those who already have cancer, the awareness of one’s disease is stressful; thus, these people need constant support from their loved ones. The first thing that family members and friends of a person with breast cancer can do is to have a conversation and seek to establish a trustful relationship. Indeed, a simple discussion of a problem and sharing of feelings can provide great emotional support for the loved one. It is also necessary to stay connected with a friend or family member with breast cancer and visit her/him as frequently as possible. Moreover, ill people should be encouraged to be active as it would help them to have a feeling of control. Lastly, supporting individuals should be ready to deal with increased mood swings and depression.
Overall, several methods can help an individual to prevent breast cancer development. It includes leading a healthy lifestyle (weight control, exercise, and abandoning or limiting alcohol usage) and taking medicines, vitamins, minerals, and food supplements. However, each person must consult the professional for additional information. Moreover, if a close person was diagnosed with breast cancer, the best supporting strategies would be “heart-to-heart” conversations, frequent visits and calls, and encouragement for an active lifestyle.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). What can I do to reduce my risk of breast cancer? Web.
National Cancer Institute. (2021). Breast cancer prevention (PDQ) – patient version. Web.
Sun, Y. S., Zhao, Z., Yang, Z. N., Xu, F., Lu, H. J., Zhu, Z. Y., Shi, W., Jiang, J., Yao, P. P., & Zhu, H. P. (2017). Risk factors and preventions of breast cancer. International Journal of Biological Sciences, 13(11), 1387-1397.