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Breast cancer cannot be prevented, but it can be diagnosed much earlier than before. Early diagnosis is possible with routine mammography and early biopsy of suspicious lesions. The earlier cancer is found, the better the prognosis.
Talk to your doctor about symptoms to watch for, and an appropriate check-up schedule. Most specialists advise a baseline mammogram at 40. From 40-50, mammograms are recommended every other year, and annually after 50.
From 20-39, women should have a clinical breast examination every three years, and annually from 39.
Between clinical check-ups, do a monthly breast self-exam (BSE). Every woman's breasts are different, and they change with age, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, and taking oral contraceptives or other hormones. Your breasts may normally feel lumpy, swollen or tender at times, such as before a period or during pregnancy. By doing a monthly BSE from age 20, you learn what’s normal for you, and are more likely to detect changes.
The following may help prevent breast cancer:
• Low-fat diet (under 20% fat), rich in fruit and vegetables.
• Maintaining ideal weight.
• Breast-feeding may slightly decrease risk, especially if continued 18-24 months.
• Strenuous exercise in youth might provide life-long protection. Even moderate physical activity as an adult can lower risk.
• In women with a strong family history of breast cancer, genetic testing for mutated genes (BRCA 1 & 2) is available. In certain cases, bilateral prophylactic mastectomy is recommended to reduce the risk of developing cancer later on.
Talk to your doctor about symptoms to watch for, and an appropriate check-up schedule. Most specialists advise a baseline mammogram at 40. From 40-50, mammograms are recommended every other year, and annually after 50.
From 20-39, women should have a clinical breast examination every three years, and annually from 39.
Between clinical check-ups, do a monthly breast self-exam (BSE). Every woman's breasts are different, and they change with age, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, and taking oral contraceptives or other hormones. Your breasts may normally feel lumpy, swollen or tender at times, such as before a period or during pregnancy. By doing a monthly BSE from age 20, you learn what’s normal for you, and are more likely to detect changes.
The following may help prevent breast cancer:
• Low-fat diet (under 20% fat), rich in fruit and vegetables.
• Maintaining ideal weight.
• Breast-feeding may slightly decrease risk, especially if continued 18-24 months.
• Strenuous exercise in youth might provide life-long protection. Even moderate physical activity as an adult can lower risk.
• In women with a strong family history of breast cancer, genetic testing for mutated genes (BRCA 1 & 2) is available. In certain cases, bilateral prophylactic mastectomy is recommended to reduce the risk of developing cancer later on.
