Turn Breast Cancer Awareness Into Action: 4 Ways to Fight Breast Cancer Starting Right Now by Cindy Cooke, DNP, FNP-C, FAANP

Having a hard time crossing better breast health off your to-do list? Here are five ways you can turn awareness into action:

• Do a self-exam. Self-exams can be controversial among some health care organizations, but roughly 40 percent of breast cancers are diagnosed after a woman finds a lump.

• Schedule a mammogram. Starting at age 40, talk to your health-care provider about your breast cancer risk, when you should get a mammogram and how often. If you’re behind schedule, make an appointment to get back on track.

• Be aware of excess weight. Excess weight has been linked to an increased breast cancer risk. If you’re overweight, losing even a little bit could make a big difference.

• Cut back on the cocktails. Limiting consumption to less than three drinks a week decreases your risk by 15 percent.

• Find a regular health-care provider. Most busy women could use a little help keeping on track with mammograms and post-mammogram follow-up. With a trusted health-care provider, like an nurse practitioner (NP), they are more likely to stick to a regular screening schedule.

If you’ve been slacking, make a point to cross these five things off your list today – starting with a visit to an NP.

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