Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women and it’s very likely that you or someone you care about has faced this diagnosis. It’s important that we all protect ourselves and do what we can to prevent this deadly disease.
Breast Cancer Prevention
Fortunately, there are several steps we can take to prevent or catch this cancer in it’s early stages when it’s easier to treat and resolve.
Monthly Breast Self-Exams: These easy to do exams are the first line of defense. Forty percent of breast cancers are found when women feel a lump. If you don’t know how to examine your breasts fully, check our resources below.
Mammograms: Annual x-ray screenings of the breasts are generally recommended starting at age 45. They can detect abnormalities in breast tissue that could be cancerous.
Annual Women’s Wellness Exams: Women should see a medical professional annually for a breast exam, cervical cancer screening, and overall health review. Call us to schedule yours at (714) 486-1228.
Genetic Testing: Women who have a high incidence of breast cancers in their family may choose to have genetic testing and consider more aggressive preventative treatments.
Breast Cancer Resources
How to do a breast self-exam: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam or https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/3990-breast-self-exam
Free educational guides: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/educational-guides/
National Breast Cancer Foundation: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/
BreastCancer.org: https://www.breastcancer.org/
Cancer.org: https://www.cancer.org/
If you are due for an annual screening, feel a lump or have any questions, we are here to help. Please give us a call.
Miracle Orchids Medical Center – Fountain Valley, CA – (714) 486-1228
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, which means most of us have been impacted by this deadly disease in some way. We may have lost a loved one or friend, know someone who fought it and survived or be in a high-risk category ourselves.
It’s important to be aware of risk factors that may apply to you. Having them doesn’t mean you will get breast cancer for sure, but additional preventive measures may be recommended.
The top two risk factors are:
Family History: If family members have had breast or ovarian cancer it may be a sign you carry the BRCA gene which increases your risk.
Age: Incidences of breast cancer begin to rise at age 45 and increase as you get older.
The most important thing you can do to protect yourself is to find the cancer early! This means being committed to:
- Monthly breast self-exams. Learn how by clicking here.
- Regular clinical exams by your doctor
- Mammograms and/or other screenings at the recommended intervals. Most experts suggest starting at age 40.
When caught in an early localized stage the survival rate for 5 years is 100%. The odds get worse as time goes by and the cancer gets stronger. It’s important to be proactive when it comes to protecting your breasts and your life..
Other things you can do to help prevent breast cancer include:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Stay active and exercise
- Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Stop smoking
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Talk to your doctor about the potential risks of hormone replacement therapy and if it is right for you.
If you are concerned about your breast health or have not had a women’s health exam in the last year, we encourage you to call and schedule now.
Miracle Orchids Medical Center – Fountain Valley, CA – (714) 486-1228
There are many benefits of breastfeeding for both you and your baby. Breast milk contains ideal nutrients and antibodies that can keep your little one well. For you, breastfeeding helps your uterus return to normal, supports weight loss and may decrease your risk of breast and uterine cancer. So, when you can, breastfeeding is usually recommended.
Many women who plan on breastfeeding are not sure how they should be eating. Here are a few guidelines:
You may need to eat more calories. It is estimated that 300 – 400 additional calories of highly nutritious foods should be sufficient for providing energy and producing milk.
There are foods that you should avoid. It is best to not drink alcohol or caffeine when you are breastfeeding. There are also concerns about eating fish, which commonly has high levels of mercury. In time, you may learn that your baby doesn’t do well with certain foods or spices and want to avoid them as well.
Choose quality foods. Eating a protein rich diet will help milk production and making healthy food choices will provide you and your baby with the nutrition you need to thrive. You may also want to talk to your doctor to see if they recommend you take supplements.
Drink plenty of fluids. Many doctors recommend having a glass of water or other non-sugary liquid after each breastfeeding session. You can also monitor the color of your urine, drinking enough to keep it from turning bright or dark yellow.
Monitor your baby’s reactions. If you notice your baby gets fussy or has digestive issues after you eat certain foods, you will want to avoid them. Rashes, diarrhea or wheezing after breastfeeding need to be addressed with your baby’s doctor.
Breastfeeding is about providing quality nutrients for you and your little one and avoiding anything that causes irritation or upsets. You will learn what works best in your situation as you get to know your baby. In the meantime, enjoy the bonding time breastfeeding provides as well as the many other benefits.
Miracle Orchids Medical Center – Fountain Valley, CA – (714) 486-1228
1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime and this year an estimated 42,170 women in the U.S. will lose their lives to it. This is why we encourage you to be proactive about your breast health.
Cancer happens when abnormal cells grow and invade healthy cells in your body. They have the potential to metastasize or spread to organs and other areas, which is when cancer becomes life threatening.
When breast cancer is detected early, while it is still local, the 5 year survival rate is 99%. Later detection can be devastating.
Early diagnosis through cancer screenings like annual mammograms can truly save your life.
In addition to annual screenings we also recommend monthly breast self-exams. Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular breast self-exam practice is very important. You can learn how with this free downloadable ebook.
It is also important to have a clinical breast exam every year. In our office it is included with your annual Women’s Health Visit, where we also screen for other deadly cancers and health issues.
If you are due or overdue for your yearly visit, please give us a call. It could save your life.
Miracle Orchids Medical Center – Fountain Valley – (714) 486-1228
