3 Tips for Breast Cancer Prevention & Early Detection
Jennifer Webb, MD: Radiation Oncologist, Bronson Cancer Center
Going to the doctor can be scary. Facing the unknown takes courage. But we want to take care of ourselves, don’t we? We want to do things that will cause us to live a long and satisfied life … A great life! So, let’s talk about some important things we can do to help ourselves.
Breast Self-Exams
In order to have good breast health, you can help yourself in a simple way by learning to do a breast self-exam. You say you don’t know how to do this? Check out this article from Susan Smith, an oncology nurse practitioner at the Bronson Cancer Center in Battle Creek! You can also talk to your OB/GYN and they can show you how to perform a self-exam. The key to breast self-exams is being consistent. You should aim to perform a self-exam once a month, ideally on the same day each month. The goal of a self-exam is to recognize changes in your breasts, like a new lump, nipple discharge or skin crusting. Please don’t ignore these changes! Talk to your primary care provider or OB/GYN right away. It does seem scary, but it’s better to get checked out early and discover your concerns aren’t an issue. And if breast cancer is detected, early detection helps ensure you have the best chance possible at recovery. It is important to note that not every lump is a sign of breast cancer. It could be benign, or it could be a cyst. Again, your healthcare provider can check you out and send you for a mammogram, ultrasound or other test if needed.
Screening Mammograms
Another important part of staying on top of your breast health is getting a mammogram. Women at an average risk for breast cancer should get a mammogram every year starting at age 40. If you are at an increased risk for breast cancer (due to a family history of breast cancer), your healthcare provider may suggest you start screenings even sooner. Annual screening mammograms are covered by insurance. If you don’t have insurance, there are programs that can help, including:
Take Care of Your Body
Early detection is key to positive outcomes when it comes to breast cancer. However, doing what you can to prevent breast cancer is also important. Though breast cancer isn’t always avoidable, there are lifestyle choices you can make to lower your risk of developing it – and many other health issues! A great place to start is to get to a healthy weight and maintain it. I know nobody wants to hear that, including me. But…. being overweight increases the estrogen in your body. Why is that important, you ask? Well, it’s important because estrogen is made by fat cells, and increased estrogen has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Along with eating a healthy, balanced diet, exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your breast cancer risk. Exercise can be as simple as taking a daily walk.
The main message I really want to get over to you is to love yourself and take care of yourself. Be aware of your body. If you notice something isn’t right, don’t bury your head in the sand. I know it’s easy to do that. We all have done it. But the brave thing to do is to get checked out and take care of yourself! That’s one of the main ways to be good to yourself, help your health and increase your chances of long, healthy life.
