Top 20 Ways to Cut Down Your Risk of Breast Cancer

I don't normally post things like this, but having gone through breast cancer, I wish I would have known some of these things prior to my diagnosis. None of the things below are hard to incorporate into your daily routine, so read on and start taking steps to reduce your risk of breast cancer!

Be sure to read the full article but for a quick cheat sheet....read on:

1. Be breast aware. If you see (or feel) something, say something! 
2. Take action if you’re high risk. If you know your mom/sister/cousin had breast cancer, get a mammogram, do a self breast exam. Get smart about breast cancer.
3. Get active. Studies show only 30 minutes of moderate activity can reduce breast cancer by 20%. It's only 30 minutes! (Think that you would easily sit on the couch for 30 - so get up and move you bootie!)
4. Get vigorous with the housework! See, you can work out for 30 minutes a day. Dusting and vacuuming counts!
5. Maintain a healthy weight. Be smart about what you put in your body. If you ate a big lunch, have a salad for dinner. And maybe only a few bites of Haagen Daaz. Not the whole container!
6. Try out the “prevention diet.” Read on about this one, not so sure what a "Meditteranean diet" even is.
7. Drink less booze. Have a small glass of vino, you don't need to finish the bottle! And if you are out with friends, try having a glass of water between each drink. 
8. Be careful when taking any artificial ­hormones. This is a big one. Talk to your doctor about this, and try to minimize your take in of hormones. 
9. Watch your lifestyle if you work shifts. Studies show this may have an effect on getting breast cancer. But some would say, it's because these ladies may work a ton, lose good eating habits and are stressed out! 
10. Attend screening appointments. Definitely a do! 
11. Keep your cholesterol levels down. Talk to your doctor about how you can manage your cholesterol intake. 
12. Take a fish oil supplement. Scientists believe that fish oils may help reduce ­inflammation, which may prevent cells from becoming damaged and cancerous
13. Breast feed your children. Studies show this is really great. Plus, the longer a woman breast-feeds, the lower her chances of getting the disease.
    
14. Reduce stress. Go to the spa, go for a run, have your hubby rub your feet, read a book, whatever. Do something for yourself that reduces stress.
15. Avoid unhealthy chemicals. Very important. Stay away from parabens (in makeup/beauty products), and DO NOT microwave food in plastic containers.
16. Eat varied and colorful fruit and veggies. Say no to processed foods, and yes to fruits and veggies. Just be sure that if they have skins, to wash them very well. 
17. Boost your fiber intake. Fiber may effect the way your body processes estrogen - a common cause of cancer in younger women. Opt in for fiber-rich foods like whole wheat pasta, brown rice and more.
18. Think twice before you have breast ­implants. There is a scary statistic related to this point. Your boobies are perfect just the way they are. 
19. Ask about aspirin. Something to think about...some research suggests women with breast cancer could halve their risk of dying from the disease by taking aspirin
    
20. Get some sun. Shocking to hear this, but it's true. Vitamin D is great for you, so go out and get some sun. But make sure you're wearing sunblock (preferably without parabens!)