A Call To Save The Boobies!

2009 is the 25th year of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Again, we are called to be aware of our breast health. And awareness starts in educating ourselves about breast cancer, ways to prevent the disease, as well as, accurate and regular  examination for early detection.

The Female  Fitness Blog talks about educating ourselves with the facts and not the myths and misconceptions about breast cancer.

Fiction: “Breast cancer runs in families, there’s no history in my family so I’m not worried.”
Fact: As many as 85% of women with breast cancer have NO family history of the disease.

Fiction: “Breast cancer is something that older women have to worry about. I’m young and have years before I need to be concerned.”
Fact: Although the majority of women with breast cancer are post-menopausal, 25% of those diagnosed are under 50 years of age.

Fiction: “Breast cancer is a death sentence.”
Fact: Thanks to medical advances, 10 year survival rates are now as high as 90%. Early detection helps diagnose the disease in it’s earlier stages when it is more easily treated.

Fiction: “If I find a lump that means I have cancer.”
Fact: 80% of lumps are benign, but be sure to check visit your doctor immediately if you find a lump or have significant changes in your breasts.

Furthermore, here are a few healthy tips to prevent breast cancer:

Avoid Alcohol
Limit alcohol intake to one drink per day. Women with a significant family history may be best to avoid alcohol completely.

Exercise
Stay active to maintain a healthy body weight. There is a clear link between obesity and breast cancer — especially after menopause.

Low-Fat Diet
Eat a diet low in fat (less than 35% of your daily calories) particularly saturated fat.

Hormone Therapy?
Consider the risk vs. benefits of hormone therapy. If you are taking hormone therapy to help control menopausal symptoms, partner with your doctor to make sure that you are taking low doses and not using it long term.

Go Organic!
Avoid pesticide exposure. Studies have shown that women with higher levels of pesticides in their breast tissue are more likely to develop breast cancer.

Avoid Antibiotics
Avoid unnecessary/prolonged use of antibiotics. There may be a link between long-term antibiotic use and increased risk of breast cancer.

Another important thing is early detection of the disease. If it is detected at an early stage, there is greater chance of survival because proper actions can be done at the soonest possible time. That’s why you must able to do regular breast check. It is recommended to be aware of the appearance and feel of your breasts and monitor it every month. Long ago, doctors tell women to examine their breasts standing in the shower, but nowadays, it is advised that it should be done lying down in bed.

To educate yourself more about breast cancer and how to properly do a self breast exam, you can visit the American Cancer Society‘s website.

Image by Ruth Flickr.

Learn More About.. breast cancer, breast check