Nearly 85% of women diagnosed with breast cancer DO NOT have a family history, and small, healthy changes to your lifestyle could reduce your chance of getting breast cancer by nearly 40%. The good news is that, when detected early, breast cancer has a 98% survival rate.

How to self-examine your breasts

Early detection of breast cancer can lead to effective treatment and a positive prognosis. Breast self-examination is not a substitute for mammography or regular check-ups by a healthcare practitioner, but doctors believe women should be familiar with their own breasts, so they understand what’s normal and promptly report changes.

There’s no special technique and you don’t need any training to self-examine your breasts on a regular basis.

Look at your breasts and feel each breast and armpit up to your collarbone. Try to use the palm of the finger instead of the fingertips. You may find it easiest to do this in the shower or bath, by running a soapy hand over each breast and under each armpit. You can also look at your breasts in the mirror. Look with your arms by your side, and also with them raised.

Do a monthly breast examination, every month (schedule it for the first day of menstruation if you’re still menstruating), and schedule a clinical breast exam with your healthcare provider once a year. If you’re over 50, schedule a mammography screening every other year.

Reduce your risk of breast cancer

Research shows that lifestyle changes can decrease the risk of breast cancer, even in women at high risk. To lower your risk:

• Limit alcohol. The general recommendation, based on research on the effect of alcohol on breast cancer risk, is to limit yourself to one drink a day, as even small amounts increase risk.
• Keep a healthy weight. If your weight is healthy, work to maintain that weight. If you need to lose weight, ask your doctor about healthy strategies to do this. Reduce the number of calories you eat each day and slowly increase the amount of exercise.
• Be physically active. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, which helps prevent breast cancer. Most adults should aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly, plus strength training at least twice a week.
• Breast-feed. Breast-feeding might play a role in breast cancer prevention. The longer you breast-feed, the greater the protective effect.
• Limit postmenopausal hormone therapy. Combination hormone therapy may increase the risk of breast cancer. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of hormone therapy. If you decide that the benefits of short-term hormone therapy outweigh the risks, use the lowest dose that works for you and continue to have your doctor monitor the length of time you’re taking hormones.

Pay attention to these breast changes

See your GP if you notice any of the following changes:

• A change in the size, outline or shape of your breast.
• A change in the look or feel of your skin, such as puckering or dimpling, itchiness, irritation, redness, scaling or swelling.
• A new lump, thickening, or bumpy area in one breast or armpit that is different from the same area on the other side.
• Nipple discharge that is not milky.
• Bleeding nipples.
• A moist red area or a rash around your nipple.
• A change in nipple position or a nipple pointing differently.
• Any pain or discomfort in one breast.

Source: www.mayoclinic.org, www.breastcancercharities.org, www.zazi.org.za, www.nhs.uk, www.chanel4embarrassingillnesses.com, www.canadianliving.com, www.gov.za, www.blessinghospital.org, www.westerncape.gov.za, breastcancernow.org