How to Lessen Your Risk for Breast Cancer

Here are some important things women should do to reduce their risk of breast cancer:

• Usually do your own breast examination


• Learn about family history of breast cancer


• Consider your menstrual and reproductive history


• Annual mammogram schedule


• Exercise regularly


• Maintaining a healthy weight


• Limit alcohol use


• Swear by a cigarette


• Think "fresh" when it comes to food

If you are 20 - 39 years old, you need to do your own breast examination and look for signs of change. Schedule a clinical breast exam every three years.

If you are 41 - 49 years old, you must have a mammogram every one to two years based on previous findings.

Your overall risk for developing any type of cancer before you turn forty is only 1 in 48, according to ACS. I personally know a young mother of several young children diagnosed with breast cancer and within three months she passed away. It was tragic for her husband and her children. But that's very rare.

If you are fifty years old or older, you must have an annual mammogram.

Half of all women diagnosed with breast cancer are over 65.

Regarding your menstrual and reproductive history, early menopause or late menopause, having your first child at an advanced age, or taking birth control pills for over ten years if you are under 35 increases your risk of breast cancer.

If your mother or sister has breast cancer, you are at greater risk.

Also, if you have dense breast tissue and past radiation therapy to breast or breast area or a history of hormone treatment, you are also at high risk.

We need a cure for the health of the next generation, and for you and me. Eradicating breast cancer has never been more important.

Consider these things to do:

Breast self-examination: Get to know your breasts so you can tell if there are any changes in breast tissue, such as size, pain or breast enlargement, nipple release or bumps.

Before the mirror: Check your breasts with your hands by your side. Then raise your hands high above the head. Look for any changes in the contours of each breast including pain, swelling or nipple changes.

In the bathroom: With your fingers flat, gently move each section of each breast. Use your right hand to check your left breast and left hand for right breast. Check for any bumps, thickening, or hard knots.

Lie down: Put a pillow under your right shoulder and place your right arm behind your head. With your other fingers flat, press your right breast slowly in small motion, moving in a circular pattern that covers the entire breast.

Mutation

Five to ten percent of breast cancers are caused by genetic mutations. Women who carry this mutation up to 28 times are more likely to develop cancer. It is recommended that women with a strong personal or family cancer history should meet with a genetic counselor. BRCA and BART tests can be done to predict their likelihood.

About Food

Studies have shown that eating foods high in fruits and vegetables and low in red meat and processed, reduces the risk of cancer. When you prepare a meal, think of meat as a side dish instead of the main ingredient. Drink and eat low fat dairy products.

If possible, choose organic foods. Non-meat products and organic dairy are often treated with hormones and antibiotics.

Some fruits and vegetables have been shown to have higher levels of insecticides. This may be due to oily skin or may be easily absorbed through their root system. This includes:

• Apple


• chili belanga


• celery


• cherry


• green collar


• domestic blueberries


• imported wine


• kale


• nectar


• pic


• spinach


• Strawberry

Food items that exhibit lower levels of insecticide, may be due to their thicker outer layers, including:

• asparagus


• avocado


• cabbage


• cantaloupe


• brinjal


• Kiwi fruit


• please


• Red onion


• Pineapple


• sweet corn


• sweetie


• melon

In conclusion, every 69 seconds a woman dies of breast cancer somewhere in the world. It is the second leading killer of women worldwide. You can consistently reduce your risk of breast cancer by following the suggestions above. Don't be one of the shocking statistics. Take care of your health.

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