While some risk factors are beyond our control, we can all create better breast health in menopause by getting to know our breasts (and our bodies) as well as we can. Finding a breast lump doesn’t automatically signify cancer — far from it. And being on familiar terms with your breasts to detect anything unusual early on is one of the many ways you can positively influence your breast health.
Breast health factors we can influence
- Performing regular self-exams
- Finding our healthy body mass
- Raising vitamin D and calcium intake — while studies of the nutritional benefits of vitamin D and calcium are not crystal clear, research links higher intakes with lower risk of developing breast cancer
- Eating soy and leafy greens from the Brassica family — a good nutritional start for many women
- Getting plenty of sleep in a dark room
- Getting regular exercise and body movement
- Lessening or (even better) eliminating alcohol and tobacco use
- Healing negative emotional patterns that create stress and anxiety