| Risk
Factors For Breast Cancer |
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The main risk factors for breast cancer are;
being a woman, and getting older. Most women who get breast
cancer have no family history of breast cancer. Only a small
proportion of all breast cancers are due to an inherited disposition.
Visit our links page for more useful
information. |
| Be Breast
Aware |
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Check for unusual
changes
It is quite normal for most women to
notice changes in their breast during their monthly cycle
– but only you know what is normal for you. Checking
your breasts at regular intervals makes good sense. Choose
either the first or last day of the month if you are post
menopausal or, if you are menstruating, check about seven
days after the start of your period.
Check for
- A change in size or contour, or position
of the nipple
- Obvious lumps or thickening, puckering
or dimpling of the skin
- Inflammation or rash on the breast
- Blood or discharge from the nipple
If you notice anything unusual, see your doctor. Remember,
nine out of ten lumps are harmless. The breast is often naturally
lumpy as a result of normal glandular changes. The purpose
of examining your breasts is to detect changes you haven’t
noticed before. |
| Some
Questions Women Diagnosed With Breast Cancer Might Want To Ask
Their Doctors |
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(This list certainly doesn’t
include all questions, but can be used as a guide in preparing
your own list of questions)
- What kind of breast cancer do I have
and is it invasive?
- What are my treatment options and what
treatment do you recommend?
- Is the treatment you are recommending
standard practice in cases such as mine? How quickly do
I need to begin my treatment?
- Will I require further treatment after
surgery, for example, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal
therapy or a combination of these or other therapies?
- What are the risks associated with
each type of treatment and what are the possible side effects?
- Can I be treated in a specialised breast
clinic by a team that includes a breast surgeon, medical
oncologist, breast nurse and radiation oncologist?
- How will treatment affect my ability
to function in every day life and when will I be able to
resume normal activities such as work etc?
- What literature, web sites and support
groups would you recommend?
- How do clinical trials work? Would
you recommend I participate in one?
|
| Nutrition
and Breast Cancer |
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Studies have indicated that some foods may increase
or decrease breast cancer risk. Risk may be influenced by following
some simple guidelines.
- Maintain a healthy body weight. Avoid
becoming overweight.
- Daily intake of fat should not exceed
30%.
- Have five plus servings of fresh fruit
and vegetables every day.
- Eat pulses, whole grain cereals, wholemeal
bread and pasta.
- Moderate consumption of alcohol.
- Do not smoke. If you are a smoker,
stop as soon as possible and never smoke in the presence
of others.
Visit our links page for more useful
information. |
