May it be your grandmother, mother, sister, or your favorite “E! News” host, breast cancer has affected anyone and everyone. Giuliana Rancic revealed last week that at the young age of 36 and no family history of the disease, she had breast cancer. This shocking news had many young women, including myself, wondering what types of women develop breast cancer? Will I be one of them? There is no specific category of women more prone to developing breast cancer over another. Cancer, in general, does not discriminate. Breast Cancer has increasingly become the most common cancer among women.
Over the past decade, breast cancer has also become more prevalent in young women, and unfortunately, that is when it is the most aggressive. So as the smart, high-achieving, pro-active collegiettes™ that we are, why must we let breast cancer scare us? We need to tackle this disease before it takes our femininity from us. Here are some take-charge habits that will help increase your chances of living breast cancer-free!
1.) Receive regular breast cancer exams
Once-a-year breast exams by your gynecologist might not be enough. Learning to give your self a breast exam is one of the most important habits to learn. It only takes a few minutes and can lead to early detection. Check out Seventeen Magazines step-by-step process of how to give yourself a breast exam!
2.) Exercise regularly
According to women’s health, “Several studies have proven that regular exercise provides powerful protection against breast cancer.” Not only will exercise help you decrease your risk, it will also help boost your mood along with toning your body for bikini season.
3.) Monitor your weight
Gaining the freshmen fifteen is not something to laugh off. Weight gain has been reported to increase your risk of breast cancer. Monitoring your weight, and exercising regularly, will help decrease your risk significantly, while also helping you fit into your skinny jeans.
4.) Be aware of your families history
Breast cancer risks are higher among women who have had family members affected by this disease. Being aware of your family history will help determine your risk of getting it.
5.) Limit your alcohol intake
According to women’s health, alcohol abuse is the most well known dietary risk factor for breast cancer. Limiting your alcohol consumption will not only lower your risk of developing breast cancer, but will also help you stay classy in those college bars!
Breast cancer attacks under the radar, and that is why young women need to take all the precautions mentioned above seriously. Through early detection, you increase your chances of beating this horrific disease exponentially. Our generation of young women needs to stand together and kick breast cancer to the curb. Always remember to treasure your tatas!