3 tips to keep you away from breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor in women. The incidence of breast cancer in women in my country is also growing in tandem with the rest of the world. As a woman, how can we stay away from the harm of breast cancer?

First, let us test ourselves to see if you are prone to breast cancer.

◆ People with a family history of cancer, especially if their mother or sister has had breast cancer;

◆ People who have early menarche (under 12 years old) and late menopause (over 55 years old);

◆ People with certain benign breast diseases;

◆ People who frequently receive chest radiography or chest X-rays;

◆ People who have never breastfed, never given birth or gave birth too late or had many miscarriages;

◆ Women with high breast density and firm texture;

◆ Women who are particularly obese above the waist, with waist and hip circumferences similar.

The age distribution of breast cancer incidence varies in Eastern and Western countries. In high-incidence areas such as Northern Europe and North America, breast cancer begins to appear at around 20 years old and maintains a rapid upward trend before menopause, which is before the age of 45-50 years. The incidence rate increases by approximately 100% every 10-20 years of age. The increase is relatively slow after menopause, reaching the highest level at 75-85 years old. In low-incidence regions such as Asia, the incidence of breast cancer decreases slightly after menopause, and the peak incidence is generally between 45 and 55 years old.

Breast cancer prevention method 1: Start with diet

With obesity rates in society and the number of cancer patients rising simultaneously, the connection between the two is clear. Every woman and the family members who care for them should reflect on their eating habits. The American Cancer Society estimates that one-third of cancer deaths are related to unhealthy eating habits and lack of exercise.

Studies show that if women eat four kinds of vegetables and fruits every day, their risk of breast cancer will be reduced. Also, try to eat your vegetables raw rather than cooked. Eating fish three times a week will provide the body with enough Omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids to protect its cells. Avoid foods containing polyunsaturated fats, such as corn oil and sunflower oil, and replace them with nut oils or olive oil. Sugar found in soft drinks and junk food is also something to avoid.

Studies have shown that there is also a relationship between alcohol intake and the risk of breast cancer. Drinking 1 to 3 alcoholic beverages a day can increase the risk of breast cancer. If you must drink alcohol, women can take some folic acid to offset the adverse effects of alcohol.

Additionally, women should consume low-fat dairy products, such as yogurt or skim milk, at least once a day.

Keeping active is just as important as eating healthy. The ideal amount of exercise is 30 minutes a day. Regardless, spending some time exercising every day is better than no exercise at all.

Breast cancer prevention method 2: Regular physical examinations for breast cancer, starting at the age of 20, do not take it lightly

Mammograms are very important for women. X-rays can show if cancer has taken root in your body before you can feel a lump. Although the number of breast cancer patients has increased year by year, the number of patients who died from it has been decreasing, all thanks to timely and effective early detection and treatment.

Doctors recommend that women over 40 have a mammogram every year, and women under 40 should have a mammogram at least every three years. Women with a family history of breast cancer should start screening as early as possible. In addition, women who gain more than 20 kilograms in adulthood are twice as likely to develop breast cancer after menopause as other women. Women who do not regain their pre-pregnancy weight after giving birth should also be particularly careful. Additionally, products containing estrogen have been shown to promote the development of breast cancer.

Breast cancer prevention method three: breast self-examination

In addition to going to the hospital, self-examination is also an effective method.

A. Check while taking a bath

When bathing, put soap on the chest first to facilitate sliding inspection. When checking, put one hand behind the head and stretch out and put the fingers of the other hand together, and use the fingertips to move in a spiral motion to carefully check every part of the breast to see if there are any lumps. In this way, switch sides to check.

B. Mirror examination

Stand in front of the mirror, with your hands hanging down, and check if your breasts look normal. Are your nipples sunken? Are your skin wrinkled, swollen, etc.? Gently pinch your nipples to see if there is any discharge? Then check your armpits to see if there are any swollen lymph nodes. Finally, raise your hands above your head and repeat the process!

C. Lie flat for examination

Lie on your back in bed. Those with full breasts can place a small pillow or a folded towel under the left shoulder, put your left hand behind your head, put the fingers of your right hand together and straighten them, and gently press the left breast to make small circle massage. At this time, you can imagine the breast as a clock face, and check from the 12 o'clock position in a clockwise direction to the origin (massage at least three circles). Following the above method, use your left hand to examine the right breast.

The best time to do a self-examination is after each menstrual period. If you feel a lump or any other abnormality in your breast, you should seek medical help immediately. Because the average age of breast cancer patients is decreasing, women should start checking at the age of 20. Even if you don't have a family history of breast cancer, it's still important to take it seriously. According to statistics, 80% of breast cancer patients have no family history of breast cancer.

Finally, use your thumb and index finger to gently pinch the nipple to check for discharge. If you find any abnormality or suspected lumps after self-examination, please see a doctor as soon as possible for further examination. Do not delay and allow the condition to deteriorate.