Incidents of Breast cancer continue to rise.  Fortunately, more and more victims are surviving these diseases.   Although the disease is more prevalent in women, men can get breast cancer too.  The key to recovering from breast cancer is early detection. 

If you catch this disease in the early stages, you have a much improved chance of a complete recovery.   So your best chance is to take action.  You need to watch for signs of cancer and take steps to ensure you are living a healthy lifestyle.

Part one of your breast health plan is regular self examination.   You should check your breasts and underarms every month.  This involves manually feeling deeply into each breast, and lightly tapping each breast.  Cover the entire surface of your breast, including right underneath the nipple.  You also need to feel your lymph nodes under your arms.  Have any hard lumps or suspicious swelling checked by a medical doctor.  

You should exam yourself lying on your back, and standing up.  also check you breasts visually in the mirror.  Look for unusual changes.  This could include puckering or dimpling of the skin or nipples.  Discharge is also a concern.  Scabbing, burning or itching on the nipple could also be a sign of the disease.  the best time to check is a few days after your period is over.  You can even do the exam while you’re taking a shower. 

Your next plan of action should be a physical check up with your doctor.  You should have a breast examination by a medical professional at least every three years before you are 40.  After that, it should be every year or two.   This exam will also include questions about your medical history.   It will probably only take about ten minutes to discuss your risk factors and examine your breasts.

Although regular self examination is important, mammograms can detect breast cancer years before it can be felt.  So in addition to a regular breast exam by your doctor, you should also get a regular mammogram.  It is generally recommended that you have a regular mammogram once you turn 40.  If you have a family history of breast cancer, your doctor may suggest you get a mammogram earlier.  A mammogram is a low dose x-ray unit that features two metal plates which squeeze your breast to take pictures deep into the tissue.  The images are usually taken at a variety of angles. 

As you age, you chance of breast cancer increases.  About three quarters of all breast cancer incidents happen in women over 50.  Women over 65 account for more than 50 per cent of all breast cancer cases.  If a lump turns up, don’t panic.  However, you do need to see a doctor to find out whether or not it is cancerous.   The sooner breast cancer is caught; the better your chances are to eliminate the disease from your body.

A healthy lifestyle should also be part of your action plan.  That means daily exercise.  You need to get involved in a physical activity that will increase your heart rate for about 30 minutes to an hour.  

Healthy eating should also be part of your breast cancer prevention or treatment regimen.  Fresh fruits and vegetables are an important part of a well rounded diet.  Eat at lease five a day, including dark green and orange choices.  The more colors you enjoy as part of your daily diet the better.  Omega fats, fibres, whole grains, nuts and seeds are also good for you.  Choose lean meat and dairy products.    Some studies have suggested low levels of vitamin D in the blood, are related to breast cancer.  There are many things you can do to prevent and beat breast cancer.  Your health is in your hands. 

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