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More Tips To Prevent or Detect Breast Cancer

No woman wants to hear a diagnosis of breast cancer. In fact, it is the number one health fear for women. Yet many women don’t take the steps necessary to detect cancer at an early stage when it is most treatable, thereby increasing their risks of a mastectomy or even death. While it is estimated that one in 8 women who reach age 80 will develop breast cancer, there is an 87.5% chance that you will never be afflicted with it. It is important to do whatever you can to prevent breast cancer and to monitor your breasts for early detection. A cure is believed possible for 95% of women who discover breast cancer in its earliest stage.

It’s in the screening

There is no one screening method which will detect tumors without fail. The higher your risk, the more screening methods your doctor may recommend. A clinical breast exam by a health professional is recommended every 3 years before age 40, and annually after age 40. Mammograms are recommended every one to two years for women over 40, but are not highly effective when breast tissue is dense. Make sure you are fully informed by your doctor of any associated limitations and risks. The advantage of mammograms is that it detects tumors too small to be discovered during a physical exam, meaning early detection and better survival rate. Another screening tool, breast MRI is only recommended for women at high risk.

Thermography or digital infrared imaging is a tool which identifies the heat associated with tumor growth leading not only to the discovery of cancer at its earliest stage, but to the identification of pre-cancerous states.

Whereas self breast exams were previously recommended for all women over 40, these exams are now generally viewed as an optional screening tool. Concern has been raised about whether the self-exams do more harm than good due to the increased stress and amount of unnecessary biopsies performed on suspicious lumps. Only 20% of the lumps biopsied in the U.S. turn out to be cancerous. While for some women, getting a biopsy represents peace of mind; for others, it creates undue stress. In fact, most women have lumps or changes in their breast. It is also normal for different parts of the breast to have different consistencies or textures. If you discover changes, try not to freak out.

If you choose to do self-exams, examine yourself at the same time each month, a few days after your period ends if you are still menstruating. There are various methods for performing self-exams. For a step-by-step procedure that is based on extensive research and expert input, visit www.cancer.org.

Keep a Watchful Eye

What is important is to be aware of how your breasts look and normally feel. Consult your doctor about any change in your breasts that last beyond a full month’s menstrual cycle or get worse over time. Other specific warning signs to look for are:
• Lumps
• Swelling
• Skin that dimples, puckers or bulges
• Skin irritation, redness or rash
• Nipple pain
• A nipple that has inverted or is turning inward
• Any type of breast discharge other than breast milk
• Scaliness of the nipple or skin
• A nipple that has changed position
Should you notice any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. Once again, try not to fret; many times, these changes are no cause for alarm since most breast abnormalities discovered are non-cancerous. An exam by a doctor may rule out anything to fear.

Remember, early detection is crucial. It can mean saving your breast or saving your life. Make sure you live your life to the fullest.

The Bottom Line...
To reduce your risk:
• Buy organic, and limit your intake of foods that contains hormones, growth factors, antibiotics and pesticides. These foods include red meat, processed meats, and animal fats such as cheese, milk and ice cream.
• Eat a low-fat diet rich in fruits and veggies.
• Exercise 5 or more times a week for a minimum of 30 minutes.
• Maintain a normal weight.
• Don’t expose yourself to estrogen for long periods without a break. Risks are associated with taking combined hormone replacement therapy for several years or estrogen alone for 10 years. If you stopped taking birth control more than 10 years ago, there doesn’t appear to be a need for concern.
• Breastfeed your baby.
• Engage in practices like meditation, prayer, yoga or visualization to reduce your stress level and strengthen your immune system.