Breast cancer continues to be the leading diagnosis when it comes to cancer amongst Canadian women. Although fewer people are dying from this devastating disease, the medical industry still has a long way to go in terms of finding an absolute cure.
One of the most devastating aspects of breast cancer is that its symptoms are often unnoticeable in its early stages. This is why doctors recommend that women get checked regularly for breast cancer, particularly if you have a history of the disease within your family. Although you can check for lumps and irregular growth at home on your own, it is a good idea to get it done by a health professional instead.
Signs:
Lump in the Breast or Underarm
Lump in the Breast; Lump is usually painless, but could cause a prickly feeling
Changes in Breast Shape/Color
Indentation or flattening of the breast accompanied by pain or tenderness in the breast; Reddish, pitted surface can be a sign of advanced breast cancer
Nipple Changes (Itching, dimpling and a burning sensation, rashes, discharges
What Causes Breast Cancer?
Your genetic DNA
Family history of the disease
Genetic mutations and the way our bodies repair damaged cell DNA
The lifestyle we live and the stress level it generates
Amount of exercise
Eating habits
Warning Signs of Breast Cancer
Apart from monitoring our bodies and looking for early warning signs, there are a number of ways to reduce your risk of breast cancer right from the outset. It’s a proven fact that the way in which we choose to live has a huge impact on whether we will develop cancer. Our lives are shaped by a variety of factors including our income, the neighborhoods we live in, the air quality around us, and our access to public parks and recreation centers.
Now we all know it can be very difficult for us to increase our incomes or change where we live. Getting a better-paying job or moving to a nicer community are not things that happen overnight — if ever. But, we can change the choices we make on a day-to-day basis when it comes to things like exercise and eating habits.
These seemingly small changes can lead to “living well”, which can dramatically decrease your chances of developing breast cancer. Living well entails:
Getting yourself down to a healthier weight
Eating a more balanced diet, which includes reducing your dependence on fast food
Increasing your fitness levels by walking, running and generally keeping active
Quitting smoking and avoiding second-hand smoke
Reducing your overall alcohol consumption (alcohol is a cancer-causing substance)
If you notice the early warning signs of breast cancer (or if your family has a history of the disease), be sure to get in touch with your doctor right away. Diagnosis can be performed in a number of ways:
Diagnostic Mammogram
Breast Ultrasound
Other Imaging Techniques (like MRI)
Although it may be terrifying to learn the truth, you will dramatically increase your chances of survival if the tumor is detected early. Spare yourself and your loved ones the pain by monitoring your health closely and fighting cancer as soon as it hits.
One of the most devastating aspects of breast cancer is that its symptoms are often unnoticeable in its early stages. This is why doctors recommend that women get checked regularly for breast cancer, particularly if you have a history of the disease within your family. Although you can check for lumps and irregular growth at home on your own, it is a good idea to get it done by a health professional instead.
Signs:
Lump in the Breast or Underarm
Lump in the Breast; Lump is usually painless, but could cause a prickly feeling
Changes in Breast Shape/Color
Indentation or flattening of the breast accompanied by pain or tenderness in the breast; Reddish, pitted surface can be a sign of advanced breast cancer
Nipple Changes (Itching, dimpling and a burning sensation, rashes, discharges
What Causes Breast Cancer?
Your genetic DNA
Family history of the disease
Genetic mutations and the way our bodies repair damaged cell DNA
The lifestyle we live and the stress level it generates
Amount of exercise
Eating habits
Warning Signs of Breast Cancer
Apart from monitoring our bodies and looking for early warning signs, there are a number of ways to reduce your risk of breast cancer right from the outset. It’s a proven fact that the way in which we choose to live has a huge impact on whether we will develop cancer. Our lives are shaped by a variety of factors including our income, the neighborhoods we live in, the air quality around us, and our access to public parks and recreation centers.
Now we all know it can be very difficult for us to increase our incomes or change where we live. Getting a better-paying job or moving to a nicer community are not things that happen overnight — if ever. But, we can change the choices we make on a day-to-day basis when it comes to things like exercise and eating habits.
These seemingly small changes can lead to “living well”, which can dramatically decrease your chances of developing breast cancer. Living well entails:
Getting yourself down to a healthier weight
Eating a more balanced diet, which includes reducing your dependence on fast food
Increasing your fitness levels by walking, running and generally keeping active
Quitting smoking and avoiding second-hand smoke
Reducing your overall alcohol consumption (alcohol is a cancer-causing substance)
If you notice the early warning signs of breast cancer (or if your family has a history of the disease), be sure to get in touch with your doctor right away. Diagnosis can be performed in a number of ways:
Diagnostic Mammogram
Breast Ultrasound
Other Imaging Techniques (like MRI)
Although it may be terrifying to learn the truth, you will dramatically increase your chances of survival if the tumor is detected early. Spare yourself and your loved ones the pain by monitoring your health closely and fighting cancer as soon as it hits.
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