The 3 Step Approach to Breast Health
1. Monthly breast self-examinations beginning at age 18. (this means twice a month, once while menstruating, and once either before or after)
2. Clinical breast examination by a health care provider at least every three years, starting at age 20 and annually after age 40. (I personally have one done twice a year because I ask: one by my OB GYN and one by my PCP)
3. Annual mammogram screening at age 40. Women under 40 with either a family history of breast cancer or other concerns about personal risk should consult with a health care provider about risk assessment and when to begin mammography or MRI screenings.
Are you at risk?
Most women have more than one known risk factor for developing breast cancer, yet will never get the disease. Some risk factors are those that you do not have any control over, while others can be changed by making changes in your lifestyle.
Known and probable risk factors....
- Being a woman
- Getting older
- Having a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 breast cancer genes
- Having a previous biopsy showing hyperplasia or carcinoma in situ
- Having a family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer
- Having high breast density on a mammogram
- Having a personal history of breast or ovarian cancer
- Starting menopause after age 55
- Never having children
- Having your first child after age 35
- Being overweight after menopause or gaining weight as an adult
- Having more than one alcoholic drink per day
- currently or recently using combined estrogen and progestin hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Having your first period before age 12
Be an advocate of your own health ladies. Now the facts and don't be afraid to ask questions. For more information, please visit:
http://cms.komen.org/komen/index.htm?ssSourceNodeId=290&ssSourceSiteId=KomenUntil tomorrow - Smooches, Quick Claps, and Much Love-
Erin
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