There is no totally safe way to prevent breast cancer. But there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of getting it. It is understood that weight, physical activities, and proper nutrition play a big role in the prevention or development of breast cancer.
Heredity, age, or race, as well as smoking, drinking, and poor eating habits, are risk factors that influence the chance of getting breast cancer. Sometimes the carcinogenic factors are related to the environment.
Following the guidelines of the American Cancer Society for early detection of breast cancer increases the chances that this disease can be diagnosed at an early stage and can be treated successfully.
- Women 40 and older should have a mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health.
- Women of 20-39 years of age should have a clinical breast exam (CBE), as part of a periodic health examination by a health professional, preferably every 3 years. From 40 years onward, one should have a yearly clinical breast exam by a health professional.
- Breast self-exams (BSE) are an option for women from 20 years of age. Women should be taught the benefits and limitations of BSE. Women should report any breast changes to their doctor or nurse as soon as possible.
- Women who are at high risk for breast cancer based on certain factors must undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a mammogram every year.
- The American Cancer Society does not recommend an MRI screening for women whose risk of breast cancer is less than 15%.
It is important to keep checking with your doctor. Routine exams can detect these bumps by the feel of the breast. Examinations and tests are effective to find this cancer early, which often has no symptoms.
