Australian, European and New Zealand women have the highest rates of breast cancer in the world and new research has found their Western lifestyle is partly to blame.
Research by the World Cancer Research Fund International (WCRFI) found that women in Africa and Asia have the lowest rates of breast cancer in the world, the UK’s Daily Mail reported.
The WCRFI attributed this to their lifestyle as opposed to the Western lifestyle. The latter lifestyle encourages women to overeat, not exercise enough, choose against breastfeeding children and drink alcohol in excess amounts.
Deputy head of science for WCRFI, Dr Rachel Thompson, said the fact that breast cancer rates in regions such as Africa are so low should remind women in highly affected countries that breast cancer can be prevented.
“That such a large difference in breast cancer rates exists is a real concern,” Dr Thompson said.
“Also, it is not just eastern Africa that has significantly lower breast cancer rates. The fact that rates of breast cancer are much lower in other parts of the world highlights the fact that breast cancer is not inevitable.
“This means we need to do more to get across the message that just by making simple changes to lifestyle, such as drinking less alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight, women can reduce their risk.”
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The Cancer Council Australia says that at least one in three cancer cases are preventable and the number of cancer deaths could be reduced significantly by choosing a cancer smart lifestyle.
This lifestyle includes:
maintaining a healthy body weight;
getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days;
eating a diet of fruit and vegetables and limiting red meat intake; and
avoiding alcohol.
Related link: Feeling stressed? Cast your vote on what’s stressing Australian women most.
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