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The U.S.-based National Cancer Institute estimates that more than 12 percent of women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives. That statistic is certainly alarming, and that means all women need to be on the lookout for the early warning signs of this serious and potentially deadly disease. 

Doing monthly breast exams and having regular mammograms are two of the most effective things women can do to catch the disease in its earliest stages when it is most curable. Women can also make some dietary and health changes that may be able to lower their overall risk of breast cancer.

While nothing will completely eliminate your risk of developing this dread disease, there are some things you can do to lower your risk. Making a few simple changes in your diet, your exercise regime, and your overall outlook on life can reduce your risk of breast cancer while improving your health in other areas as well.

Eating more fruits and vegetables is one thing women can do to lower the risk of breast cancer and improve their overall health. Fruits and vegetables should be a part of every woman’s diet, and studies have shown a relationship between the number of fresh fruits and vegetables in a woman’s diet and her lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.

Reducing the amount of red meat in the diet may also reduce the chance of developing breast cancer. Recent studies have shown that women who consume large amounts of red meat, especially processed meats like hot dogs and sausages, are at increased risk from breast cancer. That means that reducing the amount of red meat in the diet may lower the lifetime risk of developing the disease.

Women may also be able to lower their lifetime risk of developing breast cancer by adding more fiber to their diets. Adding fiber to the diet may also reduce the risk of other serious illnesses, including killers like colon cancer.

Last but certainly not least, simply getting out and moving may reduce the risk of breast cancer while boosting overall health and well-being. Many studies have shown a relationship between the amount of exercise a woman gets and her lifetime risk of breast cancer. If you need another reason to start a sensible exercise regimen, lowering your risk of breast cancer just may give you the impetus you need to get started.

For more information on breast cancer prevention, click here.