1 in 8 women who live up to 85 years will develop breast cancer. This is a US statistics but studies show that incidence of breast cancer is also high around the world. It is therefore important that every woman understand these facts about breast cancer, in order to know how to reduce the risk and when to seek medical attention.


1. Know your breasts. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in young women aged 15 to 34. In the US, a woman dies every 13 minutes from breast cancer. You need to understand how the breast should feel as well as how to carry out breast self- exams. If you know how your breasts should feel, you will know when there’s a significant change and when to seek immediate medical attention.


2. Second-hand smoke may increase your risk. You don’t smoke but you are regularly exposed to the fumes when you hang out with friends or in a bar. This may be very dangerous, because a new study of more than 500 women in Mexico found that those who were regularly exposed to secondhand smoke had a 3 times higher risk of developing breast cancer than those who avoided second-hand smoke.


3. Some vegetables may lower your risk. Studies point to the fact that some vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, cabbage and tomatoes helps fight or prevent breast cancer. You may do well by always including them in your meals.


4. Regular exercise lowers your risk to develop and die from breast cancer. Regular exercise has been associated with a lower risk of breast cancer. A study from the University of South Carolina suggests that women with high aerobic fitness levels (based on their endurance on a treadmill exercise test) have a 55% lower chance of dying from breast cancer than their less-fit peers.


5. Alcohol and Overweight increases risk of breast cancer. Being overweight increases your risk of many types of diseases including diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases as well as breast cancer. Having two or more drinks a day ups breast cancer risk by about 25%.


6. About 9 in 10 people will survive breast cancer when detected early. Experts agree that early detection and treatment of breast cancer are important to improving your chances of surviving the disease. It is said that early detection provides the best opportunity for a successful outcome, even with some of the more aggressive forms of the disease.


7. Fish oil may help reduce the risk. Experts advise that you consume fish oil supplement daily and this can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 30%. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may help combat breast cancer, particularly invasive ductal carcinoma- the most common form of breast cancer. There are many food sources of omega-3s, such as salmon, halibut, sardines, and nuts.


8. A breast lump does NOT mean breast cancer. You found a lump in your breast doesn’t necessary mean you have breast cancer. Experts say that more than 80 percent of breast lumps turn out to be noncancerous and often harmless. However, it is important you contact your doctor immediately if you detect any lumps in your breast.