Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women, but early detection can save lives. It happens when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, forming a lump or spreading to other parts of the body. While it mostly affects women, men can get it too.
Watch out for these things in your breast:
- Know your breast - Any changes to shape, size and colour should be noted.
- A lump or thickening in the breast or under your arm.
- Unexplained pain in the breast or nipple.
- Nipple discharge especially if its blood-stained - inspect your bra regularly.
- If your skin starts to dimple (like an orange peel) around the darkened part of your breast.
- Redness or scaling on the breast or nipple.
Here are the things that put you at higher risk for Breast Cancer:
- Age – Risk increases as you get older especially above 35 years old and above.
- Family history – If close relatives had breast cancer, your risk may be higher.
- Genetic predisposition – Certain kind of genes put you at higher risk of developing breast cancer.
- Hormonal factors – Prolonged use of combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increases the breast cancer by 15%.
- If your periods started earlier than 12 years or you have been on hormone therapy, it can increase risk.
- Obesity is associated with an increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer, as is weight gain throughout adulthood.
- Alcohol consumption - Regular consumption of as little as one drink per day elevates the risk of breast cancer by about 4%.
- Physical activity - Breast cancer risk is reduced by about 25% among physically active women compared to the least active women.
Take Control of Your Breast Now:
- An Empower Clinic near your will help screen for any breast changes.
- Do regular self-breast exams – Know what feels normal for you!
- If you are over 40 years, get a mammogram done – Early detection makes treatment easier.
- Eat a healthy diet & maintain a good weight.
- Stay active – Exercise lowers your risk.
- Avoid smoking & stop alcohol.
