You can never know too much about your breasts.
1. Get to know your breasts.
Does it make sense to be told to not know your breasts and the way they feel? That is crazy.
Know your WHOLE body, but specifically, check your breasts monthly within a week after your period.
Just look for changes, rock hard, irregular, may or may not move, but touch your breasts monthly and give
squeeze your nipple to make sure no discharge. Get used to the way they feel.
2. Mammograms by age 40, unless a first degree relative had breast cancer earlier than 40.
3. Don't fear the mammogram. If you are afraid it may hurt, take Motrin, etc one hour prior to the test.
4. Breast cancer is the 2nd most common female cancer with more than 300,000 women diagnosed yearly.
5. Men can get breast cancer so talk to your husband, etc about checking himself.
6. Are your breast tissues dense? If they are, your provider may suggest an ultrasound or MRI.
7. Cut down on alcohol. Even one drink per night can increase your risk of breast cancer by 7%.
8. Plant based foods are anti-inflammatory. and provide important phytonutrients with anti-cancer activity. making these changes can affect your whole body, not just your breasts.
9. Things to watch for, visually: Skin changes, dimpling, redness, swelling. itchy breasts, new nipple discharge, , changes to your nipple, visual changes in the shape of the breast, and swollen lymph nodes in your armpit.
10. Don't ignore any changes in your body, no matter what part. Know any changes and reach out for help.
**It is recommended by ACOG to get your first screening mammogram between age 40-50. ACOG is recommending closer to 40 and then every year or two depending on risk factors. According to ACOG there is an alarming increase of breast cancer for women in their 40s. Early detection is the key. Don't think "one and done". Protect yourself!
**ACOG American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
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