How to Detect Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the hallmark health conditions affecting 1 out of every 9 women in the States today. It is a marked cause, with popular charity sites offering 'free clicks' for free mammograms and celebrities jumping ship spreading the message after their loved ones have been affected. Out of all cancers, breast cancer is responsible for 30% which is simply startling. There is a misconception that getting breast cancer is like winning an unfortunate lotto, and that no amount of prevention is enough to avoid it. This can't be further from the truth.

For starters, women sleeping on couches and doing little physical work all day with plenty of smoke and alcohol in their bellies have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. In addition, women who have their first baby later on in life or who have never birthed a child have a bigger chance of hitting the breast cancer bug. Chart yourself down as a high risk for breast cancer if you have a history of it in your family as well. Like diabetes and high blood pressure, genetics come with the territory. Plus, late menopause (in the early 50's) also demonstrates a higher risk of breast cancer.

Two Ways to Detect Breast Cancer

In addition to refusing smoke, exercising, losing weight, and dropping the whiskey bottle -- it is important for women to stay on top of breast cancer by going in for mammogram exams every year after you hit 50 and by doing self exams on the breasts. Mammograms are excellent at detecting breast cancers at any early age, even before stage 0 breast cancer develops. In essence, mammograms are x fray photographs of both your breasts and work in the same way as a normal x ray where abnormalities are detected.

Another way, the self examination method, is also highly popular amongst women. It is easy to perform your own breast cancer exam! It involves standing in front of a mirror with your hands behind your head (be sure to interlock your fingers) Here, your breasts should face outward. This position will allow you to see if there are any unusual lumps, dimples, and contour shape changes. In addition, you should press each nipple for a sign of discharge.

By following these two ways of detecting breast cancer, you can significantly drop the changes of getting full blown breast cancer. Remember, many cancers are preventable or easily treatable in its early stages inh the first place. If you have a history of breast cancer in the family, this is surely a surefire requirement in your yearly regimen.