The month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. This article is my way of support to the cause of many of women who survived the disease and to every mother, daughter, and sister.
Be your own breast friend and read further. There are a number of lifestyle changes you can make to help combat this killer disease.
1. Lose weight
Around eight percent of breast cancer cases may be attributable to being overweight or obese. If you are worried about your weight, visit your GP, who can weigh you and offer advice on how to slowly and steadily shed the pounds.
2. Go easy on alcohol
While the odd drink poses no threat to your health, research indicates a link between alcohol intake and breast cancer. The recommended weekly limit for women is 14 units with no more than three units in any one day. U unit is a small glass of wine, half a pint of beer or one measure of spirits.
3. Eat fresh fruit and vegetable
Your recommended five-a-day are essential for general health. What's more, the intake of anti-oxidant and fibre-rich food is also thought to reduce your chance of developing all forms of cancer.
4. Get moving
Regular exercise can reduce your breast cancer risk by up to 20 percent. This include housework, DIY, gardening and brisk walking, as well as more conventional types of physical activity such as session in a gym, playing sports or taking an exercise class. To reap the benefits, you will need to raise your heart rate so you are slightly out of breath and then maintain that level of activity for a minimum of 30 minutes at a time.
5. Check your family history
Breast cancer has a known familial link, so if a close relative has been affected by the disease before the age of 50, or if two or more relatives on the same side of the family have had breast cancer, speak to your GP. if necessary, they will be able to to refer you to a breast are unit or genetics clinic.
6. Book a breast screening
The single largest factor in developing teh disease is age, as more than 80 percent of women with breast cancer are over 50. Mammograms are vitally important in the early detection of breast cancer. It's estimated that for every 500 women who have a mammogram, one life will be saved.
7. Recognise the signs
For many women, the fear of finding a lump is enough to prevent them from being breast aware. But self examination is crucial and takes just a few minutes a month. Here are the key steps:
Be your own breast friend and read further. There are a number of lifestyle changes you can make to help combat this killer disease.
1. Lose weight
Around eight percent of breast cancer cases may be attributable to being overweight or obese. If you are worried about your weight, visit your GP, who can weigh you and offer advice on how to slowly and steadily shed the pounds.
2. Go easy on alcohol
While the odd drink poses no threat to your health, research indicates a link between alcohol intake and breast cancer. The recommended weekly limit for women is 14 units with no more than three units in any one day. U unit is a small glass of wine, half a pint of beer or one measure of spirits.
3. Eat fresh fruit and vegetable
Your recommended five-a-day are essential for general health. What's more, the intake of anti-oxidant and fibre-rich food is also thought to reduce your chance of developing all forms of cancer.
4. Get moving
Regular exercise can reduce your breast cancer risk by up to 20 percent. This include housework, DIY, gardening and brisk walking, as well as more conventional types of physical activity such as session in a gym, playing sports or taking an exercise class. To reap the benefits, you will need to raise your heart rate so you are slightly out of breath and then maintain that level of activity for a minimum of 30 minutes at a time.
5. Check your family history
Breast cancer has a known familial link, so if a close relative has been affected by the disease before the age of 50, or if two or more relatives on the same side of the family have had breast cancer, speak to your GP. if necessary, they will be able to to refer you to a breast are unit or genetics clinic.
6. Book a breast screening
The single largest factor in developing teh disease is age, as more than 80 percent of women with breast cancer are over 50. Mammograms are vitally important in the early detection of breast cancer. It's estimated that for every 500 women who have a mammogram, one life will be saved.
7. Recognise the signs
For many women, the fear of finding a lump is enough to prevent them from being breast aware. But self examination is crucial and takes just a few minutes a month. Here are the key steps:
- know what is normal for you
- Look and feel your breasts
- Know what to look for such as any change to the size, shape or feel of your breast; new lump, or thickening in your breast or armpit; puckering, dimpling or redness of the skin; changes in the nipple ; a rash or nipple discharge; any pain or discomfort that is new or only felt on one side.
- Report any changes - however minor they may see - to your GP immediately.
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