It's time to check yourself.
Breast Cancer Awareness
The Big C is one thing that we all fear but unfortunately it’s not something we can all avoid. Breast Cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK, with around 56,000 new cases of breast cancer per year. Which means that women have a 1 in 7 lifetime risk of developing it.
However, studies have shown that around 13,000 cases of breast cancer in the UK could be prevented by making lifestyle changes. Not to mention that is it vital that you continue to check your breasts regularly for any changes, catching it early could save your life.
So are you ready to make the change?
There are several lifestyle changes you can make to aid the prevention of Breast Cancer-:
Quit Smoking: Cigarettes contain a number of cancer causing chemicals and increase your chances of getting it. There is lots of support available on the NHS website.
Change your birth control: Many studies have correlated the link between combined oral contraceptive pills to the increase in the risk of getting breast cancer. Unfortunately, your risk does increase the longer you use the pills but it does decrease once you stop taking it. The best thing to do is speak to your GP or healthcare adviser to find out about alternative birth control options.
Take your vitamins: Those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer were found to have low levels of Vitamin D. Therefore, it is important to ensure you get enough Vitamin D in your diet. This can be through certain food groups such as eggs or through exposure to sunlight. If you have any concerns about your Vitamin D levels speak to your doctor.
Healthy breasts come in all shapes and sizes so the first thing you need to do is become familiar with yours so that you can recognise if something isn’t right.
The best thing to do is to check your breasts the same time every month (although it isn’t advisable to do this during your period as your breasts can change as a result your cycle).
Changes to look out for in your breasts are:
Swollen
Inflamed
Dimpled
A Rash
Lumps- regardless of whether they move or not.
But it’s important not to neglect any changes in your nipple too, these could be:
Sunken
Crusty
Discharge
The easiest way to check your breasts is to place your arm above your head and with the opposite hand move your fingers along your breasts and armpit in spiral movements. 90% of lumps are harmless but if you do find one get it checked out immediately.
It could save your life.