A Woman's Breast

A woman's breasts have been a sense of pride, fashion, style, mystique and attraction throughout the centuries. Today a woman's breast continue to be in the limelight as medical technology strives to preserve their health and enhance their appearance.

There are many factors that will affect a woman's breast over a life time such as:

The menstrual cycle, pregnancy, breast feeding, menopause and aging.

Breast health is an important part of a woman's self care.

So what does breast health entail?

Breast Health

Because of the many factors that affect the breasts over a woman's life time. It is important to self examine your breast to become familiar with what is normal for you so that you can detect abnormalities if any should occur.

Examples:

Change in the size of one breast.

Any lump or nodule felt in the breast.

Extreme tenderness in one breast.

Skin changes of the breast.

Changes in the appearance of the nipples.

Drainage from the nipples without being pregnant.

Any unusual signs and symptoms noted should be discussed with your medical practitioner.

Maintain a Healthy Life Style.

A healthy life style will enhance your over all general health and your breast will gain the benefits.

Having regular exercise, eating a healthy diet of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Maintaining a low fat diet. Drinking adequate fluids.

Adding whole grains, protein, nuts, legumes and foods high in antioxidants to your diet will bring you energy and a feeling of well being.

Limit the intake of caffeine in coffee, teas and colas.

To Reduce the Risk of Cancer

Avoid smoking, there is a recent study that links smoking and breast cancer in 70% of tumors known as hormone sensitivity.

Exercising at least 2-3 times per week is said to cut the risk of cancer.

Weight reduction is recommended in reducing the risk of cancer.

University of Texas researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston reports that , overweight and obese women had lower breast cancer survival rates and tend to have a more aggressive disease.

Monthly self breast examinations, an annual medical examination of the breast and an annual mammogram after the age of 40 is another standard recommendation in reducing the risk of cancer.

Breast Feeding

In an article on Newsweek Web Exclusive by Sarah Kliff. It states studies from 20 years ago found lower risk for breast and ovarian cancers among women who breast fed their children. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggested that women try to breast feed for the first 12 months of the baby's life because of the benefits to both the mother and child.

Benefits

In addition to reducing the risk of breast and ovarian cancers in the mother.

Breast milk enhances the baby's immune system, it is at the right temperature, no preparation of milk needed and the price is right.

Breast feeding creates a close bond between mother and baby.

It causes contraction of the womb and helps to return it to it's normal size.

Bounce Factor

A 2007 study by researchers at the University of England found that women experienced an average bounce of four inches and some women experienced twice that amount while jogging. This causes discomfort and stretching of the breast tissues. The experts advice that you wear a very supportive well fitting sports bra to avoid the bounce factor and it's effects.

Breast Implants

In 2006, 329,00 women had breast implants in the United States.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), consumer hand book on Breast Implants advices: "Breast implants don't last a life time, you are likely to have the implants removed with or without replacements because of one or more complications over the course of your life."

Educate yourself about breast implants if you are considering having them or already have them.

Proper breast health is the key in promoting the sense of pride, fashion, style, mystique and attraction of a woman's breast.

Newsweek Health

Health.com

Newsweek Web Exclusive