Make a plan to spot breast cancer early
A
tremendous amount of progress has been made in breast cancer research,
yet we still don’t understand exactly what causes this disease. However,
we do know of many factors that place us at increased risk for breast
cancer. Some of these factors are beyond our control, but there are others
that we can do something about. Today, more than ever before, we have
screening tests available to help us detect breast cancer in its earliest
stages, when it’s most treatable.
Below you will find an outline to help you make a plan to spot breast
cancer early. We hope you’ll follow it for life.
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RISK
FACTORS
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PREVENTATIVE
BEHAVIORS
|
SCREENING
TESTS
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- Are you over age 50?
- Do you have a personal history of breast cancer?
- Do you have a family history of breast cancer–especially
your mother, sister or daughter?
- Did you have your first child after age 30 (or have no children)?
- Did you have chest radiation as a child or young woman as treatment
for another cancer?
- Did you begin menstruating before age 12, or go through menopause
after age 50?
- Have you been on hormone replacement therapy for more than
5 years?
- Do you drink one or more alcoholic beverages a day?
- Are you physically inactive?
- If you have gone though menopause, have you gained weight,
especially around your waist?
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- Follow recommended guidelines for early detection of breast cancer.
- Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of hormone
replacement therapy for your risk of cancer and other diseases (like
heart disease and osteoporosis).
- Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days.
- Achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods and
limit the amount of high-fat foods.
- Decrease your alcohol intake.
IF YOU ARE AT HIGH RISK:
Talk with your doctor about more frequent tests for early detection. |
AGE
20 to 39:
- Breast self-exam every month.
- Clinical breast exam by a health care professional every three
years.
AGE 40 and OVER:
- Mammogram every year.
- Clinical breast exam by a health care professional, near the
time of the mammogram.
- Breast self-exam every month.
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