Post originally published July, 2021.
作为一个女人, you know that taking care of yourself is important, but often your health gets lost in the business of every day life. We are here to remind you that regular breast exams are the best way to prevent and detect future problems – like breast cancer.
Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women. Early detection increases survival rates, which is why an annual mammogram is so important. Experts recommend that any woman age 40 or older should get a mammogram each year.
If your personal risk is higher, due to family history or other factors, talk to your healthcare provider about which screening tests are right for you.
Three Steps for Preventative Breast Care
了解你的身体.
Breast changes are very common, and most are not cancer. Know what is normal for you, and see your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of these changes in your breasts:
- 不明原因的乳房疼痛
- Unexplained nipple discharge
- Changes to the skin on your breast such as: an unexplained rash or open sore, a difference in the appearance or shape of your nipple, 橙皮质地
- A change in the overall size or shape of your breast
- Swelling, warmth or redness
Annual clinical breast exams.
While not a substitute for a mammogram, annual clinical breast exams are a tool to help you and your healthcare provider stay aware of potential breast problems.
年度乳房.
The best way to catch breast cancer in the early stages – when it’s most treatable – is through routine mammograms. The 美国癌症协会 recommends annual mammograms for women age 40 and older. For more information on the importance of annual mammograms, 点击这里.
Take control of your breast health. If you are due for a mammogram, talk to your healthcare provider or call 740-687-6666 to schedule your screening today.
It’s Not Just About Breast Cancer
Mammograms aren’t just used for early detection of breast cancer. This diagnostic tool can find a number of other benign breast conditions before those become a larger problem. 条件包括:
- Fibrocystic breast changes (cysts)
- 脂肪坏死
- 乳腺炎
- 纤维肿瘤
- 钙化
- 增生
- 腺病
- 导管内乳头状瘤
- 脂肪瘤
- 男性的男性女乳症
Be sure to contact your healthcare provider if you are experiencing any abnormal breast symptoms, 比如乳房疼痛, nipple discharge or a noticeable lump.
Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer
- Maintain a healthy weight. Make sure you are eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and limit fat, 加工肉类和红肉, 还有含糖饮料.
- 保持体力活动. The 美国癌症协会 recommends that adults get at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate intensity, or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous intensity activity each week (or a combination of these), preferably spread throughout the week. Talk to your healthcare provider about developing an exercise plan that works for you.
- 避免或限制饮酒. Alcohol use – even low levels – have been directly linked to breast cancer risk. If you do choose to drink alcohol, women should have no more than 1 drink per day – 12 ounces of beer, 5盎司葡萄酒, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits (hard liquor).
If you have questions or concerns about your breast health, 点击这里 or call our women’s health nurse navigator at 740-687-2727.