5 Breast Cancer Prevention Tips
- Posted on: Oct 15 2019
Breast Health Tips
October isn’t just the start of the Halloween season, it’s also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We’d like to share with you some lifestyle tips to help prevent breast cancer and promote breast health.
Discover Your Family History
Family history is one of the most significant factors when it comes to your chances of being diagnosed with cancer. If your mother or sister were diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer at a young age, you may also be at risk. Consult with a doctor or genetic counselor if you are at risk or need help learning more about your family history.
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
It’s never a bad idea to clean up your diet and introduce healthier foods if you’re concerned about your health. Eating fruits and vegetables as well as limiting alcohol intake to a drink or fewer a day can help lower your risk of breast cancer.
Be Physically Active
As with healthy eating, being physically active is an important part of keeping your body running properly and disease-free. Studies have shown women who are physically active for at least 30 minutes a day have a lower risk of breast cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight is also helpful in lowering the risk of cancer. Being overweight is especially risky after menopause.
Don’t Smoke
We’ve all heard the health risks involved with smoking. Besides heart disease, stroke, bad teeth, and wrinkles, smoking has also been linked to at least 15 different kinds of cancer, including breast cancer. If you smoke, work towards trying to quit.
Routine Screenings
Although routine screenings may not prevent cancer, they are vital when it comes to early detection and diagnosing cancer when it is most treatable. Performing self-exams and being familiar with your own breasts is a good preventative tip but scheduling yearly mammograms are even more important. It is recommended to begin mammograms yearly at age 40 but your family history or other risk factors may mean you need to begin earlier.
Unfortunately, there are many factors women have no control over that can still lead to breast cancer. Yet, these health tips should help you lead a healthy life, regardless of cancer risks. If you have questions or concerns or want to schedule a mammogram, contact us today.
Posted in: Breast Health