October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If you’re like many Americans, you may already feel you’re far too aware of breast cancer because of how many people you know who’ve been affected.
Maybe it’s a colleague at work. Your mother’s friend. Your mother. An aunt. Even your sister, cousin, or very best friend.
Every year, more than two million women around the world are diagnosed with breast cancer. Although not all cases of breast cancer are preventable, you may be able to reduce your personal risk, or at least ensure any cancer is caught in an early enough stage that it can be treated and possibly cured.
With nine Connecticut locations, our providers at Internal Medicine of Greater New Haven passionately care about providing personalized, expert treatment for women and men with all types of cancer. We’re also committed to cancer prevention and breast cancer screening guidelines.
Would you like to reduce your risk of breast cancer? Consider the following steps.
The signs and symptoms of breast cancer are subtle in the early stages. That’s why the most important step is to know your personal risk so that you can stay alert to any new developments in the feel or look of your breasts.
Knowing your risk also helps you and your doctor plan appropriate breast screenings, such as regular mammograms, to catch any problems early.
Some risk factors aren’t modifiable because they’re based on your family history, ethnicity, and age. Risk factors you can’t change but should consider include:
Don’t panic if you have one or more risk factors for breast cancer. You may be able to lower your risk by making changes in your diet, activity level, and daily routine. And, again, your doctor may recommend earlier or more frequent screenings or multiple screening modes to catch any potential cancer early.
It’s not advisable to be overweight or underweight when it comes to general health. Weighing too little or exercising too much may stress your body to the point that you stop menstruating. Being overweight or obese raises your risk for numerous serious conditions, including breast cancer.
When you have excess fat, you’re more likely to produce excess estrogen. Unneeded fatty tissue may also cause you to become insulin-resistant. Insulin resistance leads to higher blood sugar levels, which increases your risk for breast cancer as well as diabetes.
Don’t try crash dieting, though. Work with your medical team to change your approach to food. Focus on healthy, nourishing whole foods that give your cells the energy and nutrients they need to stay strong.
Of course, you want to enjoy your food. But make sure the foods you enjoy are also good for your whole body, not just your taste buds.
Every day, eat meals that contain a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, fiber-rich beans and peas, whole grains, and lean proteins. Plenty of protein, vegetables, and good fats help you feel satiated so you don’t indulge in processed foods that lack nutrients.
Avoid or limit alcohol, processed meats, sugary or artificial beverages, and highly refined grain products or simple carbohydrates, such as pasta and white bread. Processed food, junk food, and fast food contain large quantities of sugar, salt, and trans fats that negatively affect your nutritional status and can increase your risk of developing cancer.
A sedentary lifestyle increases your risk for just about every health condition and disease out there. Your body needs to move frequently to stay strong and healthy.
In addition to walking, taking the stairs whenever possible, and adding frequent breaks from sitting, find an exercise regimen you love. Aim for 150-300 minutes per week that combines moderate exercise with vigorous movement. For the most benefit, include resistance training in your workout in addition to cardiovascular exercise.
Conduct a monthly breast self-exam. Check for changes in appearance, symmetry, and texture. Contact your doctor if you notice anything unusual, including discharge from your nipples or pain. Also, ask us when you should start to schedule regular mammograms to catch problems as early as possible.
Schedule an appointment at Internal Medicine of Greater New Haven today by calling the office near you or requesting an appointment online. We serve Cheshire, Guilford, Hamden, Milford, North Haven, Meriden, Wallingford, West Haven, and Stratford, Connecticut, and are affiliated with Yale-New Haven Hospital.
