A healthy lifestyle can reduce the occurrence of fatal breast cancer in women by half, a new UK based study has claimed. If women exercise more, eat a balanced diet and reduce alcohol intake, 42 per cent of all breast cancer cases can be prevented, the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) said in a report.
Dr Rachel Thompson, Deputy Head of Science, WCRF, said, “Breast cancer can be prevented by cutting down on drinking, being more physically active and carrying less body fat. Overall, we estimate about a third of the most common cancers could be prevented through a healthy diet, being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight.”
WCRF recommended being as lean as possible without becoming underweight; be physically active for at least 30 minutes a day; limit alcoholic drinks, However, some campaign groups cautioned that breast cancer is more complex and that healthy living may not always be enough to avoid. “A woman’s lifestyle choices don’t mean for certain that she will or won’t get breast cancer because genetic and environmental factors can also play a part,” says Dr Rachel Greig, Senior Policy Officer at Breakthrough Breast Cancer.