When you ask any woman what disease she fears the most, chances are she will tell you breast cancer. Nearly everyone out there knows a woman that has battled breast cancer and I can name you at least three that I personally know. Every one of them did everything “right,” yet they still ended up battling this disease. Below, I am going to give you 10 things about breast cancer you should know…
It is just as important to have clinical breast exams as it is to get mammograms. It is crucial to get mammograms starting at the age of 40. If you have a family history of this disease, then it is recommended that you get them done earlier.
A clinical breast exam from a doctor is a must because they can detect inflammatory breast cancer, which does not show up often in mammograms.
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Don’t get me wrong, the mammogram is equally important as it can detect the earliest form of breast cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ.
Breast self-exams can help It is good to perform them on yourself at the same time each month. If you do not have them in your planner, there is no need to stress it. The self exams help you become familiar with how your breasts should feel and will allow you to know what is normal for them. Therefore, when something is off, you will be able to bring it directly to the attention of a doctor.
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If you get called for a mammogram or a redo of it, you should not panic. Many women who are over the age of forty have what is called calcium deposits in their breasts. Most of them are benign. This is all a part of the aging process in the tissue. They can show up on a mammogram as white spots and they tend to be harmless.
Did you know that active women are less likely to die from breast cancer? Regular exercise helps lower your risk of getting this disease.
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Get that folate! It will lower your breast cancer risks.
You should stay away from soy supplements as it contains isoflavones and that could act like estrogen in your body, which could stimulate certain types of breast cancer.
Just because you get breast cancer does not mean that you are going to die. I know two women who have lived from this disease. Remember to stay strong!
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I am not trying to induce panic or anything like that, but you should know how important it is to go to your check-ups. Breast cancer is serious. How many of you have dealt with this disease? Please, if you have, share with us your story as we are interested in hearing it. Your story could help someone who is dealing with breast cancer right now get through it all!
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It is even more riskier to be overweight after menopause.