Your Breast Health
ask an expert: breast healthcanada
(Oct.01.10)
We love our boobs! What can we do to make sure we're giving them the best care possible?
Sweetspot.ca asked, and MJ DeCoteau, founder and director of Rethink Breast Cancer, answered:
Rethink Breast Cancer encourages all women to take charge of their breast health. At the moment, we still don’t know exactly what causes breast cancer or how to prevent it completely. Many of the established risk factors are beyond our control. But every day, more exciting research advances are shedding new light on this complicated disease. There are important steps women of all ages can take to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer and also to detect it early.
All Ages
- Be breast aware: this means becoming familiar with how your breasts look and feel so you can easily notice any changes. It's never too early to start.
- If you’ve noticed an unusual change in your breasts and your doctor wants to take a wait-and-watch approach, insist on further examination or diagnostic screening. Early detection increases your chance of breast-cancer survival. Waiting does not.
- Lifestyle changes that help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer include limiting how much alcohol you drink, being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight.
20s , 30s and 40s
- Beginning at age 20, women should have a clinical breast examination at least once every three years. A clinical breast exam is performed by a doctor or health professional.
- If you are under 50, talk to your doctor to determine when you should begin screening mammography. Screening guidelines are different for women of average risk, intermediate risk and high risk.
- It’s important to go for an annual physical check-up no matter what your age. Keep your doctor informed of any changes in your family history or lifestyle (such as taking the pill) that may affect your risk.
50+
- Women 50 years and older should have a clinical breast exam every year, as well as an annual screening mammogram.
- It’s also important to be informed about the effects of certain lifestyle choices, such as whether to use hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT is very effective at reducing severe menopausal symptoms, but can increase your risk of having a stroke, developing breast cancer or developing heart disease. The best choice for you depends on your personal situation, which usually changes over time. Again, it’s so important to keep your doctor in the loop and discuss lifestyle changes
To check out all Rethink Breast Cancer's tips for reducing the risk of breast cancer, visit www.rethinkbreastcancer.ca.
Rethink Breast Cancer executive director MJ DeCoteau was the first person in Canada to speak up and out for young women affected by breast cancer. She was 22 years old when her mother died after a four-year battle with the disease. By 2001, she had brought together a dream team to found Rethink Breast Cancer Canada. With a mandate to seek creative ways to engage young people with the cause and help young women going through it, DeCoteau secured the exclusive Canadian rights to the world famous Fashion Targets Breast Cancer campaign.
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