Healthy living and breastfeeding ‘reduces cancer risk’

Scientists have found that eating healthily, drinking less alcohol, being active and breastfeeding their children reduces the risk of breast cancer in women.

The study, conducted by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) in conjunction with the Imperial College of London, found that lifestyle significantly impacts upon the risk of breast cancer in women.

Professor Martin Wiseman, medical and scientific adviser for the WCRF, said: “This study represents the clearest picture we have ever had on how lifestyle affects a woman’s risk of breast cancer.”

The WCRF recommends that women are “as lean as possible”, partake in 30 minutes of physical activity every day and limit their alcoholic drinks consumption to two a day.

Dr Alison Ross, Cancer Research UK’s senior science information officer, said that leading a healthy lifestyle does not eradicate a woman’s chance of getting breast cancer, but it can help to reduce the likelihood of her developing it.