I consider myself a women's health care advocate, so it is very natural for me to talk about Breast Cancer Awareness this October. With one in eight women having a breast cancer diagnosis at some point in their life, it is a huge women's health topic. Early detection and treatment are the key to survival, making awareness top priority!
1. Know your risk - Talk to both sides of your family to learn about your family health history
- Talk to a health care provider about your risk of breast cancer
- Talk with a health care provider about which screening tests are right for you if you are at higher risk
- Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk
- Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at age 20, and every year starting at age 40
3. Know what is normal for you and see a health care provider if you notice any of these breast changes:
- Lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area
- Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast
- Change in the size or shape of the breast
- Dimpling or puckering of the skin
- Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
- Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast
- Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
- New pain in one spot that doesn't go away
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Add exercise into your routine
- Limit alcohol intake
- Limit menopausal hormone therapy (postmenopausal hormone use)
- Breastfeed, if you can
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