4 tips on how to better take care of your breasts
1. Rare mammograms for breast cancer screening
The American Cancer Society has published new guidelines for breast cancer screening. It is recommended that women with an average breast cancer risk carry out their first mammography at the age of 45 years? and they should be renewed every 54 years. From 55, the screening then takes place only every two years. This means that from now on you will be less likely to screen for the first time instead of 40 at the age of 45. But how did the cancer society rethink?
Dr. Shelley Hwang, head of breast surgery at the Duke Cancer Institute, said in an interview with US magazine ELLE, "Mammograms are a way to improve breast health, but no screening test is perfect, and you should not go it alone trust mammography to detect cancer. " The investigation could be ineffective and inaccurate? and lead the women into aggressive treatments. Hwang continues: "The more mammograms you get in your life, the higher the likelihood that there will be one who will, in additional examinations, make more biopsies, more mammograms, even MRI's." And all that to figure out that it is a false alarm or a suspected cancer. "
2. Guidelines for women with average breast cancer risk
Those who now think that this new directive does not make much sense (after all, mammograms help detect breast cancer early on) should be said to be only for women at average breast cancer risk. "If you have family members who have breast cancer or other reasons for being at increased risk, it makes sense to talk to a doctor about more frequent screening," says Shelley Hwang. She calls the 'Angelina Jolie' mutation, in which an individual consultation with the doctor is always advisable.
3. Develop awareness of one's own breasts
Who wants to take care of his breasts, should learn to listen to these? and to develop an awareness of it. Because: "You are the best when it comes to notice changes in the shape and feel of your breasts." If these changes, which are typical breast cancer symptoms, last more than two months, a doctor must be consulted. And another tip women should heed: "claim the help of a friend!" Reason: You get an impression of what is normal and what is not.
4. Reduces factors that increase breast cancer risk!
There are several factors that promote breast cancer risk, the doctor emphasizes: "These are factors such as excessive consumption of alcohol, hormone replacement therapies, processed foods and obesity." Those who stick to it will not only minimize their risk of breast cancer, but also improve their overall health. "Trust your instinct, trust your breasts," Hwang sums up.
