Does the risk of breast cancer reduce with physical activity?
Your immune system gets a boost and your weight can be better controlled with exercise. Did you know that with just three hours of exercise per week, i.e. approximately 30 minutes a day, a woman can begin to lower her risk of breast cancer!
Can I prevent breast cancer by maintaining a healthy diet?
To reduce your risk of developing breast cancer, start eating plenty of fruits, green and orange vegetables and maintaining a nutritious, low-fat diet. Fat triggers estrogen production that can spur tumor growth and increase the risk, hence it's good
to have a low-fat diet.
Can breast cancer be caused by smoking?
Smoking has been shown to be a contributing risk factor for developing breast cancer through recent research in the last year (2012). Another risk factor is second hand smoke. More significantly, other heart and lung diseases have also been linked directly
to smoking.
How many times should I perform a breast self-exam?
The optimal frequency to perform a breast self-exam is once a month, where you should be looking for any changes in breast tissue, and size. Take note of any distinct lumps, dimpling or puckering of the breast, inversion of the nipple, redness or scaliness
of the breast skin, nipple/areola area, or discharge of secretions from your nipples.
Am I at higher risk if I have a family history of breast cancer?
In reality, a mere 5-10% of individuals diagnosed with breast cancer possess a family history of this illness.
Is it painful to undergo a mammogram?
As the mammography procedure requires squeezing he breasts, this may cause slight discomfort for short moment. One way to overcome this is to schedule your mammogram one week after your menstrual cycle because your breasts will be less tender during that
time.
Is breast cancer risk affected by my menstrual and reproductive history?
You may be at higher risk if you fit the following criteria: began your menstrual cycles before age 12, have no biological children, or had your first child at age 30 or older, or began experiencing menopause after 55. The number of menstrual cycles a
woman has over time also influences risk, according to research.
Can the risk of breast cancer be reduced by breastfeeding?
The risk of developing breast cancer can be reduced by breastfeeding.
Is breast cancer risk affected by breast size?
There is no solid evidence to support the notion that breast cancer risk is affected by breast size. However, radiologists find that mammograms are harder to read when it involves dense breast tissue.
How can I handle the side effects brought on by breast cancer treatments?
For a start, you could request for steroids to help reduce radiation-induced swelling from your radiation therapist. Another approach would be to change your chemotherapy medication or go for a lower-dose prescription to help reduce nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea or constipation. To protect yourself against chemotherapy- and radiation-induced heart and lung damage, you can also take preventive medications.
How can I know if my breast cancer has spread?
Metastatic breast cancer is a secondary cancer, i.e. the cancerous cells begin in breast tissue
and then spread to other parts of the body. Among the more common areas of breast cancer metastasis would be the bones, lungs and liver.
Tips (Breast care to-do list)
- Perform a Breast Self-Examination (BSE) consistently every month
- Schedule a Clinical Breast Examination (CBE)
- Get a mammogram once a year
- Scrutinise your family history
- Maintain a healthy weight / lifestyle
- Exercise consistently
- Consume less red meat & fat
- Avoid / reduce consumption of alcohol