Maintaining Breast Health
What can I do to keep my breasts healthy?
We don't know how to prevent breast cancer, but we do know good lifestyle habits help to reduce your risk. Approximately 38 to 42 per cent of breast cancers in countries like Canada are linked to lifestyle related risk factors. You can help reduce your risk by:
- Maintaining a healthy body weight.
- Being physically active.
- Recognizing that drinking alcohol is a risk factor - if you do drink alcohol - it's important to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
- Recognizing that using hormone replacement is a risk factor - talk to your health care provider about the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy. If you decide to take it, using the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time.
- Understanding that breastfeeding is beneficial. If you are breastfeeding your baby, continuing for as long as possible - ideally at least several months. The longer you breastfeed, the greater the protective factor.
- Eating a healthy diet
- Choosing not to smoke and avoiding exposure to second-hand smoke, and if you are a smoker, seeking help to stop smoking.
- Consider taking a vitamin D supplement.
What should I do to monitor my breast health?
The following are suggested good health practices:
- Be breast self-aware: know how your breasts look and feel so that you are more likely to notice when there are changes.
- Have regular health checkups that include a clinical breast exam.
- At age 40 - start having regular screening mammograms.