Breast health is one of the many things as a child or teenage girl, that you do not have to think or worry about. Although, if breast cancer is in your family history, it becomes a personal risk. In adulthood, checking your hormones and getting a clinical breast exam (mammogram) become the norm for all women. Especially for those with cancer genetics, risk factors are a priority.
This expert breast health guide from the integrative medical team at CentreSpringMD will give you just the information you need.
Healthy Breasts
Practice healthy living at any age.
Whether you are 21 or 56, always try to lower your breast cancer risk.
- Limit alcoholic drinks to one a day or less.
- Stay at a healthy weight.
- Don’t smoke cigarettes.
- Get at least 2.5 hours of moderate exercise per week. Women who exercise regularly are at 10-20% lower risk for breast cancer. (1)
- Have a diet rich in fruits and veggies that will give you a wide range of minerals and nutrients.
- Consider giving yourself a breast exam every few months (2). Be aware of what feels normal for you such as any sensitivity or texture differences during your period. Right before you menstruate, your breast tissue can be more tender and lumpier.
- Get a physical every year with proper screenings and diagnostic tests.
- Breastfeeding lowers your risk of breast cancer (3).
Acknowledge when something doesn’t feel right and go to the doctor.
- Is the breast tenderness, itching, rash, lumps, pain, nipple discharge, color change, shape change, or discomfort normal to you? Most always, it’s not.
- It’s normal for one breast to be slightly larger than the other, as well as your breasts to be lumpy normally.
- Hormonal changes from pregnancy, lactation (breastfeeding), and your period can affect breast tissue.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone balancing and replacement therapy is a common thing for both men and women starting in their late 30’s. Each of us has a unique genetic makeup. Therefore, there are a number of reasons why a woman gets hormone replacement therapy. Although, not all therapies are created equal and age plays a factor.
Are you interested in hormone replacement therapy? Consult a certified integrative physician to see what is best for your body.
Breast Health Center
Are you at a higher risk for breast cancer than others? Are you currently experiencing breast problems such as tenderness, pain, or other changes? Do you simply want to stay on the right track for breast health to avoid complications or surgery later in life?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, CentreSpringMD integrative medical center is here for you. Our oncology services, as well as overall health care is aligned with the best that integrative medicine has to offer. As a patient of our center, you will be treated as a whole person, not just as individual problems or symptoms. Through this, we will help you create a sustainable, long-term healthy living plan.
Contact us now for an in-person appointment or a virtual consult.
Resources:
- https://www.komen.org/breast-cancer/risk-factor/lack-of-exercise/
- http://article.scipublichealthresearch.com/pdf/AJPHR-1-6-2.pdf
3. https://www.komen.org/breast-cancer/risk-factor/not-breast-feeding/
