| A fatty diet and obesity are associated with | | | | are at somewhat increased risk for other types of |
| increased risks of breast cancer, as well as other | | | | breast cancer (that are not usually so aggressive) if |
| types of cancer. What's a good diet? Lots of fruit | | | | you have a mother or sister who had breast cancer. |
| and vegetables, of course- you've heard of those | | | | This is a warning to heed and take proper |
| antioxidants and their importance in preventing the | | | | precautions! Maintain a healthy diet. Check your |
| cellular change that results in cancer. Foods like soy | | | | breasts regularly once a month to be sure no lumps |
| and broccoli may actually have a direct protective | | | | are present. Get annual mammograms starting no |
| effect against breast cancer. Proper diet and exercise | | | | later than age 50. It's a good idea to have a baseline |
| also go a long way in preventing lots of other deadly | | | | mammogram between the ages of 35 and 40. Even |
| diseases. Did you know that heart disease is a bigger | | | | if you have no family history, it's important to take |
| killer of women than even breast cancer? A healthy | | | | these actions. Breast cancer affects one in eight |
| lifestyle can save you from both! | | | | women, even those who are considered "low risk." |
| You can't do much about family history of breast | | | | Another factor to be aware of is that hormone |
| cancer, but it is important to be aware of it and take | | | | treatment for menopausal symptoms for an |
| extra precautions if such a history exists. One | | | | extended period of time may increase your risk for |
| particularly aggressive breast cancer is known to be | | | | breast cancer. If you are taking hormones, be sure |
| inherited. Women develop breast cancer at a young | | | | you discuss the potential risks and benefits with your |
| age (before menopause), and ovarian cancers are | | | | doctor, take them only if needed, and at the lowest |
| prevalent in the family history as well. If you have a | | | | dose and shortest period of time that you can. It is |
| very strong family history of such cancers, you will | | | | critical for you to have annual mammograms and do |
| want to follow up closely with your doctor and | | | | monthly self breast exams. The best cure for breast |
| maybe even consider getting tested for the | | | | cancer is preventing it in the first place. The next |
| defective genes associated with the cancer. | | | | best course is catching it when it is small and easily |
| Fortunately this type of cancer is uncommon. You | | | | treatable. |