Tips for preventing breast cancer
In her lifetime, one out of every eight women will develop breast cancer. Consider addressing your risk with your doctor while you discuss your unique health requirements, and work together to establish a preventative plan. There are things you may do to avoid breast cancer regardless of your medical history.
Understand the dangers of breast cancer
It’s critical to understand the most frequent causes of breast cancer, which range from genetics to lifestyle. If any of the following apply to you, you may be at a higher risk:
• You are a woman over the age of 50.
• Breast cancer has run in your family.
• You’ve had breast cancer or some benign breast problems in the past.
• Your breast tissue is thick.
• You are either childless or have had your first child after the age of 30.
• You had your first period before the age of 12 and/or menopause after the age of 55.
• You are a regular smoker and/or alcoholic.
• You do not engage in any physical activity.
Early identification is crucial in the prevention of breast cancer
Regular screenings are the most effective strategy to detect breast cancer early. Call your doctor if something doesn’t look right. According to the American Cancer Society, you should do the following:
- Women between the ages of 40 and 44 should start getting mammograms every year.
- Mammograms should be done every year for women aged 45 to 54.
- Starting around the age of 30, women who are at high risk for breast cancer should undergo an MRI and a mammogram every year.
Consult your doctor about the preventative care options available to you.
How to prevent breast cancer and reduce your chances
You may be more prone to get breast cancer if you are 55 or older, have a family history of the disease, or have dense breast tissue. Some options may help you reduce your risk of breast cancer:
- Alcohol use should be avoided or limited.
- Maintain a healthy weight by staying physically active.
- Avoid smoking.
Learn the facts (as well as the myths) about breast cancer
Myth: Women with small breasts have a lower risk of breast cancer.
There is no link between the size of your breasts and your risk of breast cancer.
Myth: The vast majority of breast lumps are malignant.
Approximately 80% of lumps in women’s breasts are benign (noncancerous).
Myth: Breast cancer does not affect young women.
Breast cancer can strike women as early as their twenties.
The American Cancer Society has made the following recommendations:
These recommendations are for women who are at a moderate risk of breast cancer. If a woman does not have a personal history of breast cancer, a strong family history of breast cancer, or a genetic mutation known to increase breast cancer risk (such as in the BRCA gene), and has not had chest radiation therapy before the age of 30, she is considered to be at average risk for screening purposes.
- Every year, women between the ages of 45 and 50 should get a mammogram.
- Women over 55 can choose to have a mammogram every other year or have yearly mammograms. Screening should be continued for as long as a woman is in excellent health and expects to survive for at least another 10 years.
- A breast MRI and mammography should be done every year for women who are at a higher risk.
Survivors of breast cancer are forming a rising army
The numbers are improving as a result of a huge increase in awareness and a dedication to early detection. In the United States, there are already over 3.8 million breast cancer survivors6, and our goal is to increase that number.
http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand bc/myths-fact
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic info/risk factors.htm
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/screening-tests-and-earlydetection/american-cancer-societyrecommendations-for-the-earlydetection-of-breast-cancer.html
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/risk-and-prevention/lifestyle-relatedbreast-cancer-risk-factors.html
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/about/how-common-is-breast-cancer
This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice or substituted for consultation with a licensed practitioner. To discover what is best for you, you should speak with a licensed specialist.
