In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a lot of reports and studies linked to breast cancer are being released worldwide so that women become aware of the real implications of this horrifying condition. Breast cancer is still the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and the second most likely (after lung cancer) to kill.

It is known that drinking too much increases the risk of diseases such as liver disease, heart disease or even stroke. But a recent study however added a new dangerous disease on the health risk list: breast cancer. Nine out of 10 drinkers don't realize that alcohol can increase their risk of breast cancer, says a new report.

Moreover around four million women drink more than the two to three units a day which is the recommended limit. Dr Sarah Cant, Policy Manager at Breakthrough Breast Cancer, said: "Although many factors might affect our risk of getting breast cancer, limiting how much we drink is one thing we can do to try to reduce that risk - it's never too late to change your drinking habits."

All causes of the disease are not yet known, but it is thought to be a combination of hormonal, genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors. For most women, the biggest risk is increasing age.

Another report this time found in the International Journal of Cancer, researchers at the American Cancer Society in Atlanta, led by Dr. Alpa V. Patel, found that any kind of physical activity whatsoever reduces the risk of endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus) in women who were overweight or obese.

The American Institute for Cancer Research has found that the food that once seemed promising, such as eating more soy or taking supplements like vitamin E, vitamin C, or selenium was overestimated in protecting women from cancer. But evidence is accumulating that we can lower our risk through certain healthy lifestyle choices, such as increased exercise, and clinical studies suggest some medical strategies.

The link between breast cancer and weight gain is oestrogen, which is believed to promote the development of breast cancer. Fat tissue converts precursors in the body into oestrogen, so being overweight helps keep oestrogen production high.

In a nutshell, according to the latest reports, in order to reduce breast cancer risk, the American Cancer Society recommends moderate to vigorous activity for 45-60 minutes at least 5 days a week. And the increased risk for breast cancer associated with alcohol should not be ignored either. Women at average risk for breast cancer should limit their intake of alcohol to 1 drink per day. Several studies, including the Nurses' Health Study, suggest that the increased risk for breast cancer associated with alcohol occurs mostly in women who don't get adequate amounts of the B vitamin folic acid. So at least make sure that you get at least 400mcg of folic acid per day.