Category: Breast Cancer
Pregnancy and Breast Cancer Prevention
Being that this is breast cancer awareness month I thought it would be interesting to talk about pregnancy and breast cancer prevention. Yes, that’s right there are several studies out there that show pregnancy reduces a woman’s chance ofdeveloping breast cancer later in life. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is currently funding research that may lead to discoveries that identify ways to mimic pregnancys protective effects and translate them into effective prevention strategies.
Facts About Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death among women, second only to lung cancer. While the death rates from breast cancer are falling, the American Cancer Society estimates that more than 190,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in the year 2009. Of that number, the death toll is expected to reach at least 40,000. Although breast cancer is the most common type of cancer affecting women in the U.S., increased education and awareness can help save lives. That is why it’s important to know the facts about the disease.
3 Ways to do a Breast Self-Exam for Teens
Although the risk of breast cancer for teens is minimal, it is still beneficial to learn methods for doing a breast self-exam at an early age. Instilling a habit of doing a breast self-exam after menstruation has begun is excellent preventative medicine. There are a variety of ways for teens to do a breast self-exam, all of which are relatively simple and quick. Remember to note any changes by writing down the date of the breast self-exam, your observations and any questions. Bring this information to your doctor.