October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so my Entrepreneur CR article this month is dedicated to all women anywhere, and of any professional status. As we take care of all our duties, we need to check and ensure that our health is in good shape.

Why is this important for women to pay attention to this topic?

• It’s been predicted that one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer. 
• The World Health Organization says that breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and has a high rate of non-survival. Thankfully, the mortality rate has been reducing over the years with the help of many organizations that contribute to education and fundraising.
• There are no evident causes for developing this disease; that is why it is so vital to have a check-up at least once a year. 

Who is at greater risk?

On the other hand, the following risk factors can contribute to developing breast cancer or other gynecological issues.

• Age: Most women that have been diagnosed are older than 55 years old. 
• Obesity.
• Genetics: If your mother, grandmother or sister had breast or ovarian cancer, your risk increases. 
• Reproductive history: Giving birth at an older age or not giving birth can also be a risk factor. 
• Dense breast tissue: It makes it hard to detect any lumps if you have dense breast tissue. 

Let’s be proactive

While reinforcing the importance of annual breast screening exams, as well as regular breast self-exams, I would also like to recommend tools that can help you improve your health and keep you physically and mentally strong. 

• Avoiding cigarettes: Tobacco smoke is a leading cause of different cancers including lung, throat, stomach and liver. Developing cancerous cells in these, or other, parts of your body can be associated with their creation somewhere else, such as your breast. 

• Reduce alcohol consumption: It is not about quitting; it is about knowing how much is ok for you to drink and enjoy so that the party can go on. 

• • Care about your skin: The skin is the largest organ in your body, and it is constantly exposed to UV rays. It is necessary to protect your skin. Pay attention to the breast area to avoid developing skin cancer, which can be the first step for this disease to go further into other organs. 
  • Keep a healthy weight: It is not about being fit and thin; it is about avoiding getting unnecessary weight in your body that can represent a risk factor for developing breast cancer.
    
    To prevent getting those extra pounds, here is a well-known formula:

• Eat as healthy as possible

Add: vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, healthy fats, lean protein, and generally foods with high nutrient density.

Avoid: refined sugar, refined flours, saturated and trans fats, high processed food, GMO foods, alcohol. 

• Keep a physical activity in your routine

No matter what you like best to keep your body moving, do it! Thirty to 60 minutes of daily physical activity can improve your health for good. Avoid stopping moving for long periods. 

• Sleep: The body and the brain need to rest and recover. Make yourself a gift to sleep seven to eight hours straight. 

• Manage your stress: Your mental health is as important as your physical health. Many studies explain that stress can cause body inflammation, triggering the development of many other diseases. 

Now, I want you to make a plan for scheduling your annual breast screening exams, and also to perform a monthly breast self-exam. Click here to find out how: 

https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam

WIth the hope of encouraging you to help other women, I am pleased to give you these reference links:

https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/

http://www.fundeso.or.cr/

My last message is more of a personal request. Please share this article to help make sure other women have valid information about breast cancer awareness and prevention.

Keep healthy, strong and happy!