Preventing breast cancer is a topic of keen interest to every woman, being that the disease has reached epidemic proportions throughout the world. Prevention is always preferred over treatment for any health condition and breast cancer is certainly no exception to this rule. There are several approaches to breast cancer prevention and it is always best for women to actively discuss what they can do to stop cancer, with their doctors, regularly throughout life.
This article puts women on the right path towards effectively preventing cancer and teaches them the value of regular breast exams.
Preventing Breast Cancer Program
There are both genetic and lifestyle contributors to breast cancer occurrence.
Women in high risk categories for genetic contributors should be very vigilant with their bodies and must discuss what they can do to prevent cancer from striking them.
This is particularly true if they have a widespread family history of the disease or a known mutation of the BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 genes.
Likewise, lifestyle modifications will certainly help many women and most doctors will advise that many of these factors may come into play when it comes to who might develop cancer and who will not:
Smoking cigarettes or marijuana increases cancer risk.
Drinking excessive alcohol increases cancer risk.
Obesity increases cancer risk.
Exposure to environmental contaminants increases cancer risk.
Childbirth and breastfeeding reduces cancer risk.
Oral birth control increases cancer risk.
There are many possible dietary contributors and inhibitors, but these theories seem to change daily and often have little conclusive supportive evidence.
Preventing Cancer Proactively
Prevention goes far beyond identifying genetic markers and altering lifestyle choices. It also involves professional and self-applied breast health routines which can identity the early warning signs of cancer, allowing treatment which is known to save lives.
It is crucial to have professional breast exams as per the schedule set by your physician or gynecologist. Additionally, it is a good idea to perform monthly self breast exams in order to be vigilant in between professional consultations.
Mammography is a fantastic tool for women of certain ages or women at high risk for cancer development.
To learn more about the full range of care you should give your breasts to prevent cancer formation, or detect it early, talk to your doctor.
Preventing Breast Cancer Successfully
Breast cancer, like many types of the disease, is not completely understood as far as the exact reasons why some people get it and others do not.
Many causes, contributors and inhibitors have been identified through the years, but these factors change occasionally and are certainly not binding in all cases.
The best women can hope for is to minimize the known risks and consider addressing the suspected risks. Of course, simply taking an active roe in your own healthcare goes a long way in preventing any serious problematic issue.
It is for this reason that we always advise every woman to learn all they can about their bodies and how to maintain them properly. Abuse will surely induce negative effects, while a positive lifestyle will increase the chances for true and lasting good health.
