The link between age at the onset of menstruation and breast cancer risk has been well established. Studies show that women who begin their periods before age 12, as compared to women who started their periods at age 14 or older, have a 20% increase in risk. But, does this mean every woman who begin her period at a younger age should fret about getting breast cancer? Absolutely not! Remember this is just a small factor contributing to a woman’s overall risk of getting breast cancer.
Obviously adult women cannot do anything about this factor, but young girls can. Regular exercise can help put off the start of menstruation. Encourage your young daughters, nieces and grand daughters to embrace an active lifestyle. Make exercise fun and be a good role model—if they your commitment to regular exercise they are more likely to do the same.
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