October is known as the worldwide awareness month of breast cancer. Previously, we have talked about how early detection and personalized cancer treatment plans are key factors in breast cancer control. The purpose of this year’s message is to focus on what can be done before? We’ll talk about some preventive measures which individuals can follow to take care of their well-being.
Last year, HEMEX introduced you in a series of two articles to our portfolio company ARTIDIS, which is focusing on two innovative solutions. The first one will deliver test results rapidly after a biopsy, and the second will determine how aggressive the cancer is. As we mentioned before, early detection and personalized cancer treatment plans are key factors in breast cancer control.
World Health Organization (WHO) states that females belong to the strongest risk factor, and this is scientifically proved; the majority of cases of breast cancer appear in women. Additionally, WHO estimates that half of all new breast cancer cases occur in women with no known risk factors other than gender and age. However, certain factors can increase the risk of breast cancer. These factors include increasing age, obesity, drinking of alcohol, family history of breast cancer, radiation exposure, reproductive history, smoking, and postmenopausal hormone therapy. Nevertheless, some measures can be taken to reduce the risk of breast cancer up to 30%. Most of these measures are behavioural choices and related interventions.
In the following steps, we summarized some of the simplest preventions to be taken, which could have an impact on your overall well-being.
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Personal Weigh
Maintaining a healthy weight needs to be an important goal for everybody because being overweight can increase the risk of various serious diseases, including breast cancer.
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Physically Active
Regularly exercising and moving the body is one of the best ways to prevent disease and keep the body and mind in good health.
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Healthy Food
The general understanding of the fundamentals of nutrition is crucial for optimizing your health. The more healthy choices you make, the healthier you will be.
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Alcohol
In terms of alcohol and breast cancer risk, the general recommendation is to limit drinking to no more than one drink a day, although even small amounts can increase the risk.
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Smoking
The health danger caused by smoking is now well known. At the top of it, it increases the risk of 15 different types of cancer, including breast cancer. That’s definitely a reason to quit smoking.
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Breastfeeding
In general, breastfeeding is very beneficial for both the child and the mother.
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Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer, so it is recommended to avoid them.
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Post-Menopausal Hormones
Research has shown that estrogen hormones can increase the risk of breast cancer.
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Mammographs
As mentioned earlier, early detection of cancer can save your life and a mammogram can help.
Don’t underestimate the danger of breast cancer and take proactive steps to detect it. We recommend you to go regularly to mammograms and other screenings based on your personal history. Consult with your doctor if you observe some changes in your breasts, and remember, early detection could save your life!
About HEMEX
HEMEX was founded as a private investment and consulting company headquartered close to the Basel global life sciences hub. Our primary focus is to bring innovative drugs, medical devices, and in–vitro diagnostics to the market. We specialize in supporting early-stage start-ups, and we offer tailored solutions to accelerate projects into successful and sustainable businesses. Additionally, HEMEX helps and supports start-ups to find non-dilutive and dilutive funding. We are now gaining fast recognition, and this is partly because we are transforming the culture by seamlessly bridging the gap between investors and entrepreneurs.