For American women, breast cancer is the second most common cancer -- second only to skin cancer.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month to raise the consciousness about the potentially fatal disease that affects about 12 percent of women in the U.S.

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor originating in the breast. The malignancy is caused by a group of cancerous cells that can invade other parts of the body.

While this makes cancer quite troubling, there is hope on the horizon. For instance, a new drug may extend the life of certain breast cancer patients up to 16 months longer.

There are things you can do, however, on a daily basis in terms of diet and exercise to lower your risk of breast and other cancers.

According to the American Cancer Society and the American Institute for Cancer Research, studies show that poor diet and not being active are two prime factors which can increase an individual's risk of getting cancer.

So, you can do something about this.

Besides quitting smoking (if you smoke, that is):

  • Get to and stay at a healthy weight.
  • Become or be physically active regularly.
  • Make healthy choices in your diet, focusing on plant-based foods.

The evidence is strong.

Annually, about 585,720 Americans die of cancer, with about a third of those deaths linked to poor diets, physical inactivity and being obese.

American Institute for Cancer Research
American Institute for Cancer Research
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