How Women Can Protect Themselves From Getting Breast Cancer

By: Travis Waack
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:18:05
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

Chances are you know someone - a family member, colleague, or friend who has been affected by cancer. You'll want to learn more about prevention especially if you have a history of cancer in your family. There are over two hundred different types of cancer and the most common one for women is breast cancer. The lifetime probability of a woman developing breast cancer is 1 in 9. The good news is that it is possible for women to protect themselves from breast cancer. When breast cancer is discovered and treated early, the chances for recovery are better.

Every woman should know their own breasts so that any changes are noticed soon and can be reported to a physician. Knowing your breasts includes having a mammogram every two years if you are between the ages of 50 and 69 and getting a clinical breast exam by a doctor or trained health professional at least every two years from the age of 40. Regardless of age, all women should do their own monthly breast self-examination a few days after her period. When doing breast self-examination, things to look for include: puckering of the skin, the appearance of what is sometimes called 'orange peel skin', any place in your breasts that feels lumpy or harder than the rest and bleeding from the nipples or crusting.

It is important to note that most breast problems are not breast cancer and most lumps are not cancerous. When a lump is not cancerous it is referred to as 'benign'. A cancerous lump is called 'malignant'.

While there are no cures yet, researchers have discovered that a healthy lifestyle is the best way to prevent cancer. Since cancer is a disease that starts in our cells, everything we eat and are exposed to can affect them. Choose to be a non-smoker and avoid second-hand smoke. In regards to diet, choose a variety of lower fat, high fiber foods. Studies have shown that intake of total fat, saturated fat and meat are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Maintain a healthy body weight and limit alcohol consumption. Protect yourself from the sun. At home and at work, follow health and safety instructions when using hazardous materials. The link between an active lifestyle and breast cancer prevention is as yet unclear but general health is improved when regular exercise is an integral part of a person's lifestyle.

Taking care of ourselves is an ongoing commitment that requires self-discipline and knowledge. It is well worth the effort and you'll feel much better for it.

Travis Waack is the webmaster of http://health.online-006.com/breast_cancer.html If you would like more information on breast cancer and prevention, this is where you will want to start.

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Women's Issues category

  • My Bigger Breasts Quest - By: Nancy Newton
    I never liked my small boobs. They made me feel ugly and look boyish. As I grew up, I became increasingly jealous of my girlfriends, especially those blessed with ample cleavage.
  • Growing my Breasts Saved Me - By: Nancy Newton
    Is it possible to grow your breasts when you have turned 40? Yes, because it happened to me. Six months shy of my 40th birthday, I was sitting in my living room one day looking back at my life.
  • I want My Breasts to Grow! - By: Nancy Newton
    I always felt like the black sheep of the family, the ugly duckling, the odd one out. Why? For one thing, I was the middle child among three girls.
  • Follow Important Guideline During Trudnoca - By: Azeem Ashraf
    A woman goes through different phases in her lifetime. When she takes birth, she is a daughter, then she becomes a sister.
  • Care Instructions For Trudnoca Women - By: Azeem Ashraf
    During trudnoca, a woman gets excited and happy, as it is the best time in her life.
  • Making Your Breasts Grow - By: Nancy Newton
    I am not advocating balloon-like oversized breasts but nice, sizeable ones. They make you feel and look more like a woman. I know, because mine are a size 34C and I really enjoy the attention I get and it makes me feel great!
  • What Would Happen, If You Will Not Go For Treating Your Ginekolog Problems? - By: Azeem Ashraf
    Women's body is very sensitive which gets lots of problems faster. This is important to get whole body check up after every six months so that you can get to know that whether you have any health issue or not.
  • What To Do And What Not To Do When You Have Ginekolog Problems? - By: Azeem Ashraf
    When you are suffering from ginekolog problems, you should know that which things are good and which things are harmful for your body. First of all, you should take care of your diet.
  • What Does It Take To Make My Breasts Grow? - By: Nancy Newton
    Have you ever asked yourself that question? I have, many times. You see, I am not one of those lucky girls born with big boobs.
  • What I did to Grow My Breasts Naturally - By: Nancy Newton
    I remember it so vividly. It was at my office year-end party two years ago. We could bring our spouses so I brought my husband along for the first time.