1 in 11 women at risk of breast cancer

The Irish Cancer Society is urging members of the public to reduce their risk of breast cancer by adopting healthy lifestyle changes, as statistics show that a woman has a 1 in 11 chance of developing breast cancer.

With the Irish Cancer Society’s breast cancer campaign Paint it Pink underway for the month of October, the Society is calling on the public to make simple lifestyle changes which can help reduce the risk of breast cancer.

People can also support the campaign by hosting a pink event to raise funds for those affected by breast cancer – visit www.paintitpink.ie for more information.

A total of 2,942 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, while 41 men were also diagnosed with the disease. Statistics from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland show that the majority of women, 40 per cent, are diagnosed with breast cancer between the age of 50 and 64.

Kevin O’Hagan, Cancer Prevention Manager said: “Half of all cancers could be prevented by changes in lifestyle so you can significantly reduce your risk of getting breast cancer by adopting healthy changes. We are calling on the public to take the opportunity this October to lower their risk of breast cancer by taking on board the following tips.”

Be a healthy weight

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_preview","fid":"6247","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","style":"width: 180px; height: 180px; float: right; margin: 2px;"}}]]Being overweight after the menopause can increase your risk of breast cancer. This is because fat cells in your body increase hormones and high levels of certain hormones in turn increase your cancer risk. Try to be a healthy weight by eating a healthy diet and being active.

Be active

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_preview","fid":"6248","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","style":"width: 180px; height: 180px; float: right; margin: 2px;"}}]]Women who are physically active have a lower risk of breast cancer than less active women. Try to do at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on five or more days a week.

Moderate physical activity is any movement that makes you feel warm and breathe a little deeper.

Limit alcohol

Drinking alcohol increases your risk of breast cancer. The more you cut down on alcohol, the more you can reduce your risk. Limit your risk by drinking no more than one standard drink a day.

Breastfeed your baby

Breastfeeding helps to protect mothers from breast cancer. It is best to breastfeed your baby for the first six months if possible. The longer a woman breastfeeds her baby, the more she reduces her breast cancer risk.

Don’t smoke

Some recent research suggests that smoking may increase the risk of breast cancer. It is important to note that smoking causes 30 per cent of all cancers. For advice, support and information visit www.quit.ie

Attend screening

Attend breast cancer screening when called between the ages of 50 and 64 years. Learn more at www.breastcheck.ie.

Anyone who is concerned about breast cancer can contact the Irish Cancer Society’s Cancer Nurseline on Freephone 1800 200 700, by email cancernurseline@irishcancer.ie or drop into one of the Society’s Daffodil Centres to speak to a specialist cancer nurse.

Help those affected by breast cancer by Painting it Pink this October!

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Host a pink event in October and join the fight against breast cancer.

Money raised will help provide services to support people through their cancer journey and also fund vital cancer research. Visit www.paintitpink.ie or call 1850 60 60 60 for fundraising ideas and information on breast cancer.

You can also donate by texting Pink to 50300 to give €4* to the Irish Cancer Society.

*All €4 goes to the Society unless a provider applies VAT when a minimum of €3.25 will go to the Society. Service provided by Likecharity 01 4433890.