As one of the greatest health risks to women overall, it is not uncommon to be worried about breast cancer. While there are a lot of factors that are out of your control when it comes to your breast cancer risks, there are still steps that you can take to reduce your chances of a diagnosis. Here are three key things that you can do if you are worried about your breast cancer risk.
Regularly Check
The biggest deterrent against breast cancer is early detection. You should get in the habit of manually checking your breasts for lumps once per month. Picking the same day each month will help you to remember. It is easiest to check for lumps while standing in the shower with your arm lifted over your head. If you find a possible lump, it is imperative that you seek the help of a medical professional immediately. Do not put off going to the doctor if anything seems suspicious.
Avoid Risky Behavior
Avoiding risky behavior can help to reduce the risk that you may develop breast cancer at some point in your life. Some kinds of breast implants have been linked to breast cancer. If you have implants, be sure to talk to your current doctor so that you can assess your risk and take the necessary steps to protect yourself. Understanding the genetic factors that affect breast cancer rates will also help paint a clearer picture. For example, if you have a first-degree relative who was diagnosed with breast cancer at an early age, you will want to seek preventative care before the standard age.
Take Care of Yourself
There are a variety of lifestyle factors that affect your breast cancer risk. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to stave off cancer. Making an effort to exercise regularly will also reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. Even if you are not up to engage in vigorous exercise, making the time to walk each day will provide immense benefits for your health. You should aim to hit 10,000 steps per day.
Taking the necessary steps to reduce your risk of breast cancer now may pay off big dividends down the road. Guarding the health of your breasts will also give you peace of mind that you are doing everything that you can for your overall health and well-being.
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