With respect to age, race, religion and socioeconomic status, breast cancer knows no boundaries. In the United States, a case is diagnosed among women every two minutes and worldwide, it is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death among women. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Macaroni Kid would like to encourage every woman to start her own personal screening process and take control of her own health. Every month, not just October, is important in the fight against breast cancer. Below are some tips from Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge to help minimize your cancer risks.
Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women, so chances are good you or someone you know has been or will be impacted by the disease. “When it comes to women’s health, it’s smart to consider steps you can take to minimize your own cancer risk and that of your loved ones,” says Philene Michelle Krogel, DO, with the Women’s Health Group part of Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge.
Carolinas HealthCare System’s Levine Cancer Institute recommends annual mammograms starting at age 40, or 10 years before the youngest person in your family was diagnosed with breast cancer. For example, if your mother was diagnosed at 45, you should start annual mammograms at 35. In general, starting mammograms at age 40 is advised.
There are other measures you can take to minimize your risk of breast cancer, as well. Paying attention to your body is key to managing your risk of breast cancer. “Mammograms save lives, but doing regular breast self-exams and checking for lumps or changes in breast tissue yourself is also important,” says Dr. Krogel.
Dr. Krogel also recommends the following to reduce your risk:
- Exercise at least 150 minutes per week. Exercise is associated with a lower risk of developing breast cancer. Shooting for 30 minutes of activity a day (a walk in the neighborhood after dinner!) will get you over the recommendation easily.
- Keep your weight down. A body mass index (BMI) of less than 25 is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer, as well as an indicator of a better outcome if you do develop breast cancer.
Be Well With Us. The doctors at Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge can help you get (and stay) on the path to wellness. Call 828-580-4661 to find a doctor near you.
