Breast Cancer Awareness Month is now in it's 25th year!
That means it's time to remind ourselves (and all the women we care about) of the importance of breast health. This includes educating ourselves about breast cancer, doing all we can to prevent the disease and proper screening for early detection.
Education:
Unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions about breast cancer. So let's educate ourselves and our loved ones about the facts.
Fiction: "Breast cancer runs in families, there's no history in my family so I'm not worried" Fact: As many as 85% of women with breast cancer have NO family history of the disease.
Fiction: "Breast cancer is something that older women have to worry about. I'm young and have years before I need to be concerned." Fact: Although the majority of women with breast cancer are post-menopausal, 25% of those diagnosed are under 50 years of age.
Fiction: "Breast cancer is a death sentence" Fact: Thanks to medical advances, 10 year survival rates are now as high as 90%. Early detection helps diagnose the disease in it's earlier stages when it is more easily treated.
Fiction: "If I find a lump that means I have cancer" Fact: 80% of lumps are benign, but be sure to check visit your doctor immediately if you find a lump or have significant changes in your breasts
Preventing Breast Cancer
Unfortunately, we still don't know how to prevent breast cancer. But until we do here are some factors to consider.
Limit alcohol intake to one drink per day. Women with a significant family history may be best to avoid alcohol completely.
Maintain a healthy body weight. There is a clear link between obesity and breast cancer -- especially after menopause. Daily exercise makes weight maintenance easier.
Eat a diet low in fat (less than 35% of your daily calories) particularly saturated fat.
Consider the risk vs. benefits of hormone therapy. If you are taking hormone therapy to help control menopausal symptoms, partner with your doctor to make sure that you are taking low doses and not using it long term.
Avoid pesticide exposure. Studies have shown that women with higher levels of pesticides in their breast tissue are more likely to develop breast cancer. This might be yet another reason to go organic!
Avoid unnecessary/prolonged use of antibiotics. There may be a link between long-term antibiotic use and increased risk of breast cancer.
Breast Self Exams
One of the best ways to ensure early detection is to become aware of the normal appearance and feel of your own breasts. That way you can catch abnormalities as early as possible. Monthly breast self exams are a good way to become familiar with your breasts and monitor them for any changes.
For many years doctors told women to do breast self exams standing (often in the shower), however now experts are now recommending that they be done lying down.
The American Cancer Society has a web page educating women on this simple and life-saving procedure.
Geralyn Coopersmith, MA, CSCS is an exercise physiologist, certified personal trainer, author of Fit + Female: The Complete Fitness and Nutrition Game Plan for Your Unique Body Type and the creator of The Best Me Ever, a comprehensive weight loss and wellness system just for women. It's a first of its kind program designed to fit into a busy women's life. Lose weight and look great -- 90 Day Unconditional Money Back Guarantee!!
