Health Insurance Daily

Breast Cancer Awareness

Seven ways to lower your risk of breast cancer:

1. Cut the fat. It has been shown that countries with high-fat diets have the highest rate of breast cancer. To lessen the risk, choose foods high in fiber, such as beans, bran, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables such as cabbage, brussels sprouts and broccoli.

2. Maintain a health weight. Obesity may be linked with breast cancer, especially for women over 50.

3. Stay active. One research study found that women who exercised at least four hours a week cut their breast cancer risk by 60%, while those who worked out 1-3 hours a week reduced their risk by 30%.

4. Limit alcohol if you drink. More than 40 studies have linked alcohol abuse to an increased risk of breast cancer.

5. Don’t smoke. Smoking can increase the risk of many cancers besides just lung cancer. Smokers may be more than twice as likely to develop breast cancer as nonsmokers.

6. Keep screening. Breast self-exams should be performed every month, 3-5 days after your period ends, from the age of 16. Mammography screening should begin at age 40 and occur every 1-2 years. After age 50, your doctor may recommend annual mammograms. (2005 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)

7. Talk to your doctor. If you are planning to take any estrogen containing pill, carefully discuss the topic with your doctor. Increased levels of estrogen are believed to play a role in breast cancer, but the medications benefits may well outweigh the risk.

Information provided by ICM (Individualized Care Management, Inc, October 2005)

posted by Mike @ 7:57 AM