As part of a focus on Breast Cancer Awareness, tips throughout October will focus on breast cancer risks, prevention and treatment.Personal and family histories of breast cancer and lifestyle habits, including diet, exercise and how you handle stress, can all affect breast-cancer risk. Early research also indicates a possible link between long-term exposure to bright lights at night and the incidence of breast cancer. Talk to your doctor about your specific situation, and learn to recognize the signs of breast cancer: Early detection is vitally important to treatment and recovery. Performing a monthly self-examination is still recommended by many health professionals, as is having a yearly exam performed by your doctor. In addition, the National Cancer Institute suggests keeping an eye out for the following signs:
- A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area
- A change in the size or shape of the breast
- Nipple discharge or tenderness
- An inverted nipple
- Ridges or pitting on the breast (resembling an orange peel)
- A change in the look or feel of the breast, areola or nipple (such as temperature, swelling, redness or a scaly feel)
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, see your doctor for a diagnosis and possible treatment. If you are over 40, mammograms are suggested annually.
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