October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. While it's great to sport a pink ribbon or buy pink merchandise for awareness, it's really vital to talk to your doctor and set up your mammogram appointments. Regular Mammograms and Self Breast Exams are the two most important tools we have for early detection and successful treatment.
Technology and treatments are constantly improving. New 3-D imagery and innovative treatments such as Mayo Clinic’s Proton Beam Therapy are changing breast cancer outcomes for the better. Treatments, especially with early detection, are less invasive.
Here are some other ways to lower your risk:
Get a Regular Mammogram. We know it’s not fun, but thank you.
Get enough exercise. It can be tough, but try to aim for 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink to no more than one drink per day.
Maintain a healthy weight. If you need to lose weight, ask your doctor about ways to accomplish that goal safely.
Eat a healthy diet. Choose fruits, vegetables, nuts and fish.
Remember to do your self breast exams. Often breast cancer is caught earliest with these self exams. If there is any change, lumps or unusual signs of something wrong call your doctor promptly for a visit.
Talk to your doctor about postmenopausal hormone therapy. Combination hormone therapy may increase the risk of breast cancer. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks and find out what is right for you.
Do a monthly Self Breast Exam. 40% of cancers are caught this way.
