Breast Cancer Prevention
There are several things women can do in their daily lives to prevent breast cancer. Breast health depends on healthy living habits. Diet, exercise, weight management and yearly mammograms are great preventative measure you can take in your daily life to increase the quality of your life and your breast health.
- Limit alcohol. If you choose to drink alcohol, limit yourself to one drink a day.
- Quit smoking, or better yet never start. Studies suggest that smokers who begin smoking young are at an increased risk of breast cancer.
- Exercise and maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing breast cancer. Your odds increase even more if you become overweight after menopause. Strive for thirty minutes of exercise daily combining cardio and strength training. Maintaining a healthy weight helps prevent breast cancer.
- Know your family history. Breast cancer risk is higher among women whose close blood relatives have this disease. Studies have shown that breast cancer can be genetic. Genetic testing and counseling is available for those concerned with their risk.
- Do monthly breast self-exams. Monthly breast self-exams are an excellent tool that is easy to do. It is best to test around the same time each month, and a good time to check is one week after your period because your breasts are less tender at this time. During the breast self-exam, you need to check for unusual lumps, skin changes, and discharge. Report any changes or irregularities to your healthcare professional immediately.
- Get yearly mammograms. Every woman over the age of 40 needs to have a yearly mammogram. Some women avoid yearly mammograms because they are afraid of experiencing pain during breast compres¬sion. There are several ways to reduce the level of pain you may feel during a mammogram. First, avoid caffeine before getting your mammogram. Second, make sure your mam¬mogram is not scheduled close to the beginning of your period, when breasts can be tender. Third, if your breasts are tender, take a mild pain reliever, like Tylenol or Advil, a couple hours before your mammogram.
- Breastfeed. Breastfeeding may play a role in breast cancer prevention, and the longer you nurse the longer the protective effect.