Breast Cancer Awareness: Our Hard Work Is Paying Off – 4 Healthy Reminders for Women by Joyce Knestrick, CRNP, FAANP

Death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1990. Still, about one out of every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and every woman is at risk. Here are some fast tips to make sure your awareness is paying off:

• Know your risk. Certain things, like family history, age, diet, exercise, having children, breastfeeding and high breast density, influence where you fall on the low- to high-risk spectrum.

• Make screening a priority. Even women with average risk need regular mammograms, so talk with your nurse practitioner about when to schedule them, usually starting at age 40.

• Be more careful with age. Every decade comes with more risk, so be diligent about following screening recommendations.

• Focus on overall health. Weight loss, exercise, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol reduce your breast cancer risk, along with your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other cancers, too. It’s never a bad time to live healthier, and changes you make today could help you avoid all sorts of problems in the future.

This is our reminder to stay on track when it comes to prevention and screening. Pay attention to your risk and focus on a healthier you.

The content on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider. The opinions or views expressed on 30Seconds.com do not necessarily represent those of 30Seconds or any of its employees, corporate partners or affiliates.

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