5 Breast Cancer Prevention Tips

October is national Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Although the news from health researchers seems to offer the promise of an eventual cure, women should continue to follow these preventative and early-detection tips to minimize their own risk. The earlier breast cancer is found, the higher your chances of long-term survival - take two minutes now to make sure these tips are part of your routine:

1. Prevention. Here is a short but critical list of lifestyle changes that can help with cancer prevention:

• Stop smoking -- The evidence has been clear for decades: cigarette smoking causes cancer. For tips on quitting, see the September 2006 issue of The NetQuote Minute.

• Squeeze in exercise -- Moderate activity five times a week can play a dramatic role in reducing the occurrence of several forms of cancer.

• Watch your weight -- The latest research shows a surprisingly strong connection between obesity and cancer.

• Manage your diet -- Eating a diet low in saturated fats, high in fiber and loaded with vegetables and fruit is a great idea for both cancer prevention and general health.

2. Breast self-examination. Starting in their twenties, women should perform breast self-examinations at least monthly. The "BSE" involves a visual and manual examination in the shower or anywhere that feels comfortable. Your health care professional can show you the proper technique.

3. Clinical breast examination. Women in their twenties and thirties should have their breasts examined every three years. Once a woman turns forty, this evaluation should be done annually. Regular doctor visits provide an opportunity for a women and her doctor to discuss changes in her breasts, early detection testing and factors in her history that might predispose her to getting breast cancer.

4. Screening mammogram. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. Screening mammography is used to look for breast disease in women who are asymptomatic; in other words, they appear to have no breast problems. Evidence supporting the value of mammograms is even stronger than in the past. Recent evidence confirms that mammograms offer substantial benefits for women in their forties. Mammography should be a life-long habit and advanced age should not be a reason to stop having regular mammograms. As long as a woman is in good health and would be a candidate for treatment, she should continue to be screened with mammography.

5. Diagnostic mammography. A diagnostic mammogram is used to diagnose breast disease in women who have breast symptoms. The doctor reading the mammogram will be looking for these factors:

• Calcifications -- These are tiny mineral deposits within the breast tissue that appear as small white spots on the film. They are a sign of changes within the breast and can either be carefully watched with additional, periodic mammograms or examined by biopsy (removal and examination of a tiny portion of tissue).

• Masses -- Masses can be many things, including cysts and benign fibroadenomas, but they may be cancer and often are biopsied.

• Cysts -- A cyst is a collection of fluid in a small sac in the breast. It can feel like a soft lump but is usually not malignant.

Help a friend by passing along these important health tips to her. Also, check your health insurance policy to see what procedures and check-ups are covered. If you are looking for greater coverage or lower rates with your health insurance policy, NetQuote can help. We can connect you with quality, local agent to find the best rate and coverage for you.

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