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Health & Fitness

Breast Cancer: Early Detection is Good Medicine

When it comes to breast health, be proactive. Manage your controllable risk factors, and learn what early detection means.

When it comes to breast health, be proactive. Manage your controllable risk factors, and learn what early detection means.

The statistics regarding breast cancer can be overwhelming for women in Mission Viejo and around the country to absorb. Yet it’s not all dour news. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among American women, second only to skin cancers. Yet, the numbers are shifting in a positive direction - breast cancer incidence rates dropped 2 percent from 1999-2005.

As we look toward Mothers Day this spring and honor the moms in our midst, it makes sense to arm women with knowledge to combat the disease. You are not powerless to the disease. You can take steps to lessen your risk by addressing controllable risk factors such as increasing your levels of exercise, decreasing consumption of alcohol, bearing children, breastfeeding, and maintaining a healthy weight. Simply becoming aware of your body and savvy about your breast health will also improve your chances of good health. The American Cancer Society (ACS) actively promotes early detection as it saves thousands of lives annually. Here are a few of their recommendations:

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Self-examination: Do a monthly self-exam of your breast tissue to determine what is normal for you. You can then alert your health care professional to unfamiliar lumps or changes in tissue.

Regular breast exams: During your annual gynecological exams, your health care provider will perform breast exams, providing you with another baseline of what is normal for your body.

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Mammograms: Women ages 40 and older should undergo annual screening mammograms.

Always consult with your health care practitioner regarding your particular risk factors and how to best navigate your healthcare route.

For Moms battling breast cancer, massage is an oft-used healing modality as it promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety in patients. It is considered an effective complement to traditional medical care for women undergoing lumpectomy, mastectomy and breast reconstruction. Pre-surgical massage relaxes muscle tissue and increases lymph flow, while post-surgery massage can help reduce pain and swelling.

Consider getting a massage for some extra self-care during your illness or help out a Mom in your life – aunt, sister, or neighbor by purchasing a gift card for a massage. Request a reservation at a Massage Heights Mission Viejo near you, or call us for additional information.

You, and your Mom, can get involved in the battle against breast cancer in other ways as well. Join Massage Heights Mission Viejo in our efforts as a sponsor of the ACS DetermiNation Endurance Event program. You can join a team, run solo, donate money or volunteer at one of the races held around the country. Help us as we join ACS in their fight for less cancer and more birthdays.

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