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Good Breast Health: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. It is second to lung cancer as the leading cause of death in women. Today, there is no way to prevent breast cancer. There are, however, screening guidelines that can help lead to early detection and lifestyle changes that may lower individual risk for breast cancer.
Clinical Breast Exam
A clinical breast exam is an exam by your clinician (family or primary care doctor or ob/gyn) that includes both look and touch to identify any possible abnormalities or breast changes that need to be evaluated. Breast exams are recommended at least every three years in your 20s and 30s, and then annually at age 40. It should be part of your annual physical exam. You can use this time with your clinician to also ask about breast self-exam, screening guidelines, and your individual risk factors.
Breast Self-Exam
Recommendations on breast self-exam (BSE) are continually changing. However, it is something you can choose to do so that you best know the "lumps and bumps" in your breast and to identify when there is something different or new that should be brought to the attention of your doctor. It is important to discuss BSE with your health care provider, and to receive proper instruction so that you do it correctly. The Susan G. Komen for The Cure's web site has a BSE video that can help you perfect your technique and skills.
Mammography
Mammograms are low-dose X-rays that can detect cancer before it can be felt. Mammograms do not cause cancer. Annual screening should begin at age 40 for most women. Some younger women with individual risk factors for breast cancer should begin at an earlier age after consulting their health care providers. It is important to have a mammogram annually so changes can be identified from year to year and diagnostic testing ordered as needed.
Lifestyle and Lowering Individual Risk
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can lower, although not eliminate, your individual risk for breast cancer (and other cancers) and help improve your overall health. Some general guidelines include:
- Increase your physical activity
- Control your weight
- Eat more fruits and vegetables
- Quit smoking
- Limit alcohol intake
Being aware of screening guidelines and receiving screenings is important to good breast health. You must also follow through on any abnormal finding, if one is discovered. It may not be a problem, but if it is, early detection is going to give you more treatment options. Lastly, adopting or increasing a healthy lifestyle is the best practice for impacting individual health.