Of course, none of us can change how old we are, our family history of breast and ovarian cancer, or our genetic makeup. Nor can we control when we start menstruating or when we start menopause. And we certainly should not try to control how old we are when we have our first child. The decision to bring a child into the world is something that should happen because the time is right, not because it might slightly lower the risk of getting breast cancer.
Knowledge is a wonderful tool. Every woman should familiarize herself with all of the factors contributing to breast cancer risk, including those we can control and those we cannot. But this information should empower us, not discourage us. If we spend time fretting and worrying about the factors we cannot change, we only create a lot of negative energy and unnecessary anxiety. Although you won’t read it in any scientific or medical journals, the best thing you can do for your overall health is to cultivate a positive and empowered outlook on life.
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