October is Breast Health Awareness month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it’s always a good time for a reminder to check your breasts (men too!)
The most important question is whether you have noticed any CHANGE in your breasts or the areas around your breasts.
Signs that are more concerning include:
Skin changes: Dimpling / redness / flaking / changes in pigmentation
Shape changes: Check with your arms hanging at your sides and again with your arms lifted above your head – most people are not symmetrical but both breasts should move and look similar when you change position
Nipple changes: Inversion or pulling in a new direction / any fluid or discharge from the nipple (especially blood)
Lump or thickening in the tissue of the breast or under your arm: Remember to feel in your armpit for lumps or bumps
See your doctor if you have noticed any of these features.
Breast health FAQ’s:
Is breast pain a sign of cancer?
Pain in the breasts is NOT a typical sign of breast cancer. Many patients come and see me because they have painful breasts and are worried about the possibility of cancer. Breast pain is usually associated with inflammation or hormonal changes rather than something more sinister. But you should still seek the advice of your doctor if pain persists and worries you.
How often should you do self-examinations?
I advise my patients to consciously check their breasts every 4-6 weeks. It’s quick. Look at yourself in the mirror before taking a shower. And while you are in the shower… use the flat of your hand to feel for any lumps or thickenings. Remember to check under your arms as well. The important question is whether you detect any CHANGE.
How often should you have breast imaging (ultrasounds or mammograms)?
This depends on a number of factors. In women who are pre-menopausal, this will depend on whether there is a history of breast cancer in your family or not. If a close relative has had breast cancer at an early age (below 50), then you should start screening breast checks 10 years before the age of their diagnosis. After the age of 50, the frequency of breast screening depends on whether you take hormone therapy or not. If you take hormones, you should have formal breast checks every year, otherwise every 2-3 years.
Remember: It is always better to see your doctor for a check if you notice any change. Be safe!
We usually focus on treating breast cancer when it is already present… but we really should think about ways we can prevent it in the first place.
You can reduce your risk of breast cancer through lifestyle!
- Don’t smoke. We know that people who smoke (or even those who live with smokers and have exposure to passive smoke) have an increased risk of breast cancer. If you are a smoker, quitting is the BEST thing you can do to improve your health and reduce your risk of breast cancer.
- Maintain a healthy weight. People who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of breast cancer because fat cells produce hormones that stimulate breast tissue. By achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, you can optimize your hormone balance and reduce your breast cancer risk.
- Eat anti-cancer foods. Certain foods contain higher concentrations of nutrients with anti-cancer properties. Try to include more of these foods in your diet:
- Fresh vegetables and fruits (especially those that have bright rich colours)
- Berries
- Olives and olive oil
- Nuts and seeds
- Whole grains
- Pulses like chickpeas and lentils
- Fresh fish
- Dark chocolate
Try to avoid processed foods that contain additives, preservatives and colourants. Limit red meat to 1-2 servings per week. Choose organic and free-range foods whenever possible.
- Enjoy alcohol in moderation. If you drink alcohol, wine is your best choice for cancer prevention. A glass of red wine, enjoyed with your main meal can reduce your cancer risk. But, if you drink more than 2 units of alcohol per day, this can increase your cancer risk. Recommendations for daily alcohol consumption:
- Men: 2-3 units per 24 hours
- Women: 1-2 units per 24 hours
A unit of alcohol is: 1 beer (330ml) = 1 small glass of wine (125ml) = 1 shot of spirits (25ml)
- Avoid sugar. Cancers are made of rapidly growing and dividing cells. They thrive off sugar. If you reduce your sugar intake, you starve cancer cells and they either grow more slowly or die off completely. There is growing evidence that following a low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diet can help prevent all types of cancer or can improve cancer treatment outcomes.
- Know your risk. Breast cancer is often genetic but having breast cancer in the family does not mean that you WILL develop breast cancer. If you have a strong family history of breast cancer, then your statistical risk of developing breast cancer is higher. You can however make lifestyle changes to minimize your risk. And, you can be more proactive about doing your self-examinations and having more regular breast checks.
- Get checked. Breast cancer can be cured if it is detected early. If you are over forty, you should have a breast check with your doctor every year. Routine imaging (ultrasound and mammograms) should start when you reach menopause. If you have a family history of breast cancer, discuss your breast screening routine with your doctor because you may need imaging at an earlier age.
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