Women may lower their chances of developing breast cancer by making some healthy lifestyle choices. The steps outlined below can serve as a guide to healthy living that may aid in preventing not only breast cancer, but other cancers, as well.

• Eat a well-balanced, low-fat diet full of fruits, vegetables and whole grains and maintain a healthy weight.

  The relationship between fat intake and breast cancer is not completely understood by researchers. However, countries in which women have diets that are low in total fat, low in polyunsaturated fat and low in saturated fat have lower breast cancer rates than the United States. You can improve your overall well-being and reduce breast cancer risk by maintaining a healthy weight and limiting intake of red meats, especially those high in fat or processed. Increase your intake of plant foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

• Maintaining a health weight

  is even more important after you have reached menopause, when estrogen is no longer produced in your ovaries. The adrenal glands convert other hormones into estrogen that is then stored in fat cells. The more fat cells — the greater amounts of estrogen- which is a major factor in post-menopausal breast cancer.

• Limit alcohol consumption

  Regular consumption of even a few drinks per week is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in women. Women at high risk of breast cancer may want to consider not drinking any alcohol. If you do drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Studies have shown that post-menopausal women who drink less than one drink a day can increase the risk of dying of breast cancer up to 30 percent, compared to non-drinkers. Women who are pre-menopausal should not dismiss the link between alcohol and breast cancer — alcohol intake is a strong risk factor for the disease.

• Exercise

  Several studies suggest that moderate daily physical activity can lower your breast cancer risk. In addition to boosting your immune system, increasing your daily exercise helps prevent obesity and decreases estrogen levels — lowering your breast cancer risk. Another hormone called insulin growth factor or IGF is higher in obese women- especially those with fat around their middles. Too much of this hormone can increase risk for breast and colorectal cancer. Physical activity can reduce IGF levels.

• If you are overweight-

  try to incorporate an exercise regimen and low.fat diet into your everyday routine. Becoming more physically fit will not only lower your risk of developing several cancers- but also will improve your overall health and emotional well-being.