We have some tips to raise your 
October is BREAST CANCER AWARENESS month, and I would guess that everyone who is reading this can think of a loved one that they know who have fought this, is currently fighting this or have experienced this first hand!
So we thought we would share with you a few habits that you can adopt to help lower your risk of getting breast cancer and also remind you that we do offer Breast Ultrasounds (at a discount for October) for women who do not want to wait for the physician/insurance referral, would rather not have the radiation exposure from a mammogram, or for prevention proposes! All scans are read by a Board Certified Radiologist and a report is generated for your health care provider.
The rate of breast cancer are lower in women under 40. In fact fewer than 5% of women diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. are younger than 40, but the rate increases with age and it's never to early to adopt some healthy habits to avoid this life changing ugly disease. According to research, these are a few habits that we can incorporate daily to help lower the risk of breast cancer:
Limit your alcohol. Consuming two or more drinks a day will increase your risk, so try and limit yourself to one drink per day or less.
Control your weight. The link between obesity and cancer risk is clear. Research shows that excess body fat increases your risk for several cancers and experts believe it’s due to the inflammation caused by visceral fat, the fat the surrounds your vital organs. These risks increase in overweight women in menopause.
Get moving! Being physical active will not only help you maintain a healthy weight, but it also helps prevent breast cancer. Adding 30 minutes of activity like walking, hiking or biking five times a week will help you maintain your healthy weight and reduce your risk of cancer and other disease.
Don’t smoke. There are several research studies showing the link between smoking and breast cancer and a greater increase in risk in premenopausal women.
Breastfeed your baby! Not only is the best for your baby but it also plays a role in preventing breast cancer. Women who breastfeed experience hormonal changes during lactation that delay their menstrual periods, and this reduces a women’s lifetime exposure to hormones like estrogen, which can promote breast cancer cell growth.
Limit dose and duration of hormone therapy. If you’re taking hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms, ask your health care provider about other options. A combo of hormone therapy for more than three to five years will increase your risk for breast cancer.
Exercise monthly self breast exams. The best way to do a self exam is to place a pillow under your right shoulder and behind your head. Using your left hand, move your fingers around your right breast gently in small circular motions covering the entire breast area and armpit. Squeeze the nipple for any discharge. If you notice any changes in your breasts, such as a lump or skin change make sure to consult with your healthcare provider right away. Early treatment is vital and can be less invasive if treated at an early stage.
Avoid exposure to radiation and pollution. Medical imaging methods such as CT (computerized tomography) and mammograms use high doses of radiation. Reduce your exposure by having these procedures done only when it is necessary! That is why our Breast Ultrasounds are a safe way to examine your breasts without the radiation. We offer these exams with or without a doctor’s order.
Click here learn about our Breast Ultrasounds or other preventive ultrasounds that we offer.
Robin Badillo
Owner of Unique Ultrasound Inc.
951.703.3087
