October HOPE Know The ABCs of Preventing Breast Cancer
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a good time to get serious about this all-too-common disease. How common? Just consider these two alarming statistics: • Every three minutes in the United States, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer. • One in eight American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
A) Know Your Risk Factors Risk factors are clues that can signal which women are more likely than others to
develop breast cancer. By far, the most common risk factor is age. The older you are, the greater the risk. The risk is especially high for women over 60. Your risk for breast cancer also increases if there is family history of the disease, if your mother, sister, daughter or two or more close relatives have had the disease. Other risk factors include having no children, having children after age 35, menstruating before age 12, obesity, smoking, hormonal replacement therapy and the use of oral contraceptives. Talk to your physician about your personal risks for breast cancer.
B) Know The Warning Signs Any change in the size, shape or color of your breast can be a sign of breast cancer.
For example, you may feel a lump or thickening in or around the breast or the underarm. Redness of the skin or an area that looks distinctively different can also be a sign. The breast may look dimpled, scaly or inflamed. A monthly breast-self exam can help you detect these changes. It’s best to perform this exam three to five days after your menstrual cycle.
C) Eat, Drink and Live Smart What you eat and drink is important in preventing breast cancer. Decrease your
intake of fat, especially saturated fats. Add more fiber to your diet by eating whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Stay active. Try to exercise at least three times a week for 30 minutes.
But by far, the most important step in preventing breast cancer is to have an annual mammogram starting at age 40. Talk to your personal physician today or call our hospital about scheduling an annual mammogram. XXX-XXX-XXXX. It only takes a few minutes, and it could save your life.
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