Detecting and fighting breast cancer
Parkland experts recommend women over the age of 40 receive mammograms every year. Detecting certain breast cancers in the early stages increases your chance of survival. Take a look at the different types of breast cancer screenings.
Mammograms: A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and the best way to detect breast cancer before it is big enough to be felt or cause symptoms. It is important to begin getting a yearly screening at age 40.
Clinical breast exam: A clinical breast exam is when a doctor or nurse uses their hands to look for any lumps or changes.
Breast self-exam: Self-exams are when you feel your own breasts for lumps or changes in size and shape. You should also feel for any changes in your armpit.
Parkland doctors who treat cancer say keeping a healthy weight through nutrition and exercise can help protect you from many diseases, including breast cancer. Try these healthy eating habits to help keep breast cancer away.
- Use extra virgin olive oil every day for cooking and in salads
- Eat nuts like walnuts, hazelnuts or almonds
- Snack on fruit and add more vegetables to your meals
- Lower the amount of sugar and saturated fat in your diet
- Avoid hormones and pesticides in foods
- Women should not have more than 1-2 drinks of alcohol a day
Talk to your doctor about your diet and make sure you get your breasts checked regularly by your doctor. Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., during the month of October, Parkland is offering no-cost mammogram screenings (ages 35 and up). For a list of dates and locations, please visit the community calendar at www.parklandhospital.com/community-calendar.
