Avoid Hormones
Studies have shown that women who avoid hormone therapy after menopause can reduce their risk of breast cancer. Survival rates are highest for people who detect breast cancer in early stages.Here are some methods for detecting breast cancer:
1. Do it Yourself
It only takes 15 minutes per month and a bit of privacy to administer your own breast self exam. Some women have discovered lumps in their breasts through their self-exam. However the ACS advises that self exams should never be substituted for mammograms and exams by your doctor.
For step-by-step instructions and diagrams of how to examine yourself, visit: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001993.htm
2. Get Screened
The American Cancer Society recommends that women ages 40 and over undergo a mammogram every year, and women in their 20s and 30s have a clinical breast exam performed as part of a regular exam by a health expert at least every three years. ACS recommends that women in certain risk categories get MRIs in addition to mammograms.
3. Know Your Body
Visit your doctor immediately if you notice any changes including a lump or swelling, skin irritation or dimpling, nipple pain or the nipple turning inward, redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin, or a discharge other than breast milk. Most of the time these breast changes are not cancer.
Remember, leading a healthy lifestyle and early detection are the keys to optimum breast health.
More: Creative Ways to Support Breast Cancer
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