October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. While you can’t usually prevent cancer, it is important to be proactive about your health. The earlier cancer is detected, the better the chance of recovery,” said Dr. Francie Masters, a radiologist at Baptist Health Corbin.
A breast cancer diagnosis is stressful and startling, no matter your situation. While you can’t change some risk factors, such as genetics and aging, there are a number of things you can do that may help lower your breast cancer risk.
Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight or obese increases your risk of breast cancer (especially after menopause and for women who gain weight as adults). If you’re already at a healthy weight, try and stay there. If you’re carrying extra weight, try to lose a few pounds (5 to 10 percent of your current weight over six months is an excellent way to start).
Exercise
Get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week (or a combination of both), preferably spread throughout the week. Try to limit sedentary behavior such as sitting, lying down or watching TV.
Limit alcohol
Try to cut out alcohol or limit alcoholic drinks to no more than one per day (two for a man). A single drink equals roughly 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits (hard liquor).
Breast Cancer Awareness month is a great time to schedule a screening mammogram. Call Baptist Health Corbin at (606) 523-8504 to make an appointment today.
