Let’s Talk About Practical Ways to Support Your Breast Health

You probably have a routine to keep your skin healthy and supple and a daily dental health routine. You should also do some things to keep your feet healthy, exercise, and eat well to support heart health. But what about your breasts?

At A Woman’s Wellspring, Stephanie Taylor, MD, PhD, and her staff offer comprehensive women’s health services, including providing information about breast health. Dr. Taylor makes sure you understand when—and why—you should have mammograms, but she also has suggestions for practical, day-to-day ways to keep your breasts healthy.

Know your personal risk

If you have family members, particularly your mother, sister, or child, who have had ovarian or breast cancer, you should discuss this family medical history with Dr. Taylor. Other types of cancer in your family, such as colon, pancreatic, and others, can indicate an increased risk of breast cancer as well.

Be familiar with your breasts

Although experts don’t recommend regular breast self-exams as part of a cancer prevention program, it’s a good idea to be familiar with how your breasts look and feel so that if anything changes, you’ll be aware of it.

Whether or not you should have regular clinical breast exams, which your doctor performs, depends on your risks. Some women who have a higher risk of developing breast cancer may need more frequent exams than those who have a lower risk.

Get recommended screenings

Experts disagree on the recommended frequency of mammograms. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends a mammogram every two years for women between 50 and 74.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends yearly mammograms for women between 45 and 54 and every two years for women 55 and older.

One reason you should discuss your personal risk factors and family history with Dr. Taylor is so she can help you understand what screening schedule is most appropriate for you.

Habits for healthy breasts

In addition to getting screenings and attending your regular appointments with Dr. Taylor, you can develop some habits that reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. For example, being overweight raises your risk of postmenopausal breast cancer, so reaching and maintaining a healthy weight is an excellent way to reduce your risk. Some other healthy habits include:

Drinking one or fewer alcoholic beverages per day
Enjoy moderate aerobic exercise for about 150 minutes most weeks
Avoid sugary sodas
Work on lowering your overall stress levels
Consume a varied, healthy diet
Take supplements Dr. Taylor recommends

Essentially, all the habits you already know lead to improved health and keep your breasts healthy. Eat your veggies, move frequently, get plenty of high-quality sleep, and live a low-stress life. You’ll feel better and have a lower risk of chronic disease, and your breasts are more likely to be healthy.

If you have specific questions about your risk factors for breast cancer, or if you’re not sure when you should be having exams and mammograms, schedule an appointment with Dr. Taylor. She’s always happy to answer questions and provide tailored advice.