Healthy College Lifestyles Can Help Women Prevent Breast Cancer Decades Later
By Lynne Adkins
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Breast cancer is rare among college age women, but lifestyle choices made during those years could be lifesaving far into the future.
Statistics show that one in eight American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, but steps taken now could change those numbers later on, according to Dr. Isabelle Mercier, associate professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of the Sciences:
"Changes in breast cancer begin occurring years before a diagnostic. So understanding these risk factors early in life could prevent breast cancer down the road for these college age women, to give them a better awareness in early detection as well."
She says women should know and understand the family medical history, keep weight under control as studies show a link between obesity and cancer, exercise, limit alcohol use, and quit smoking:
"Obese women have a about a 20-percent increase in cancer associated deaths the fat cells are becoming to be known as very cancer friendly and basically fat cells and breast cells are really considered one of the most dangerous dynamic duo."
Women should also see a doctor annually for a clinical breast exam and do self-checks all year long.