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National Breast Cancer Awareness Month tips
from VA
Newswise — October is National
Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The chance that a woman will be
diagnosed with breast cancer over her lifetime is 1 in 8. However,
many men are diagnosed with breast cancer, too. The U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA) continues conducting research into breast
cancer to discover potential causes and to develop better
diagnostics and treatments for this disease.
Mammograms every year for women
aged 40-70, especially for high-risk women who have had a
first-degree relative diagnosed with breast cancer, are encouraged
in order to help detect breast cancer at the earliest and most
treatable stages. However, a VA study urges discreet use of
mammograms for women older than 70, as the radiation exposure from
mammograms may outweigh the potential benefits for elderly women in
very poor health.
Mammograms may detect cancer, but
they do not prevent cancer. While the causes of breast cancer are
still unknown, here are a few tips that may help reduce the risk of
developing the disease:
· Don’t smoke, exercise regularly,
and maintain a healthy weight. Studies show that excess weight may
increase the risk of breast cancer.
· Eat fresh fruits and vegetables
daily. The fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients found in fresh
fruits and vegetables may help reduce the risk of breast and some
other cancers.
· Conduct self-breast examinations
monthly. Seventy percent of all breast cancers are found through
self-breast exams.
· Reduce the negative stress in
your life. Keeping a positive, relaxed outlook may be beneficial for
the immune system, therefore reducing the risk of some diseases. |
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