Breast cancer: Top five ways to reduce your risk!

Zee Media Bureau/Salome Phelamei

While researchers and health experts are still not certain how to prevent breast cancer, maintaining healthy habits can help reduce your risk.

Although you can't change some risk factors such as genetics and ageing, studies have shown that following a few healthy tips can help decrease breast cancer risk, even in high-risk women.

Here are five ways to help protect your breast health:

Diet: There are many conflicting theories about diet anc cancer, but it is believed that eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains and low-fat food may help to decrease the risk.

Alcohol: Avoid or limit alcohol because the more you drink, the greater your risk of getting breast cancer. Alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of breat cancer.

Smoking: Smoking is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer in younger, premenopausal women. So, if you don't smoke, don't start and if you do, try quitting immediately although smoking is a very hard habit that's very tough to break.

Physical activity: Many studies have suggested that exercise is a breast-healthy habit. Physical activity can also help you maintain a healthy weight, which in turn reduces your risk of developing breast cancer. Studies have shown that as little as 75 to 150 minutes of brisk walking each week can lower the risk.

Breastfeed: Some studies show that women who breastfeed may have a slightly lower risk of breast cancer. So, plan to breastfeed your baby to reduce your risk.