When I started this point, my first thought was “Why reinvent the wheel? There is a massive amount of information available on the web about breast cancer.” However, as I looked through it all, I was equally amazed at how technical and filled with medical jargon much of it is. I guess that’s why Straight, No Chaser comes in handy! With that in mind, today I’m going to address specific simple steps you should be taking to assess yourself for breast cancer.
1. Reduce your risk factors
- Discuss with your physician balancing the need for birth control with the use of oral contraceptives
- When you are pregnant, breast feed
- Exercise and reduce your obesity
- Limit alcohol intake
- If you’re post-menopausal, discuss with your physician balancing the need for hormone use with your breast cancer risks
2. Get screened
- Learn your body better than anyone else; learn to do breast exams at and after age 20
- Have a clinical breast exam at least every three years starting at age 20, and every year starting at age 40
- Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 unless your physician places you on a different schedule
3. Know the signs of concern and prompts to see your health care provider
- Lump, hard knot or change in consistency inside the breast or underarm area
- Persistent pain, swelling, warmth, redness or discoloration of the breast
- Change in the size or shape of the breast
- Dimpling, puckering or pulling in of the skin, nipple or other parts of the breast
- Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
- Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
I welcome your questions and comments.
Copyright © 2013 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress
