One in eight women develops breast cancer in their lifetime, making it one of the most common types of this disease for females. However, with the help of your doctor, you can take preventative measures to reduce your risk. With the following guide, learn more about improving breast health for a more wholesome lifestyle.

How Can You Take Charge of Your Breast Health?

1. Learn Your Body

It can feel weird initially, but you need to learn your breasts' shape and texture. That way, you can quickly see whether they appear different than normal. Although most lumps and bumps are benign, you should alert your doctor.

Even if the unusual sensation isn't a life-threatening condition, there could be another issue that needs to be alleviated or monitored. For example, you may experience breast tenderness around your period. In that case, a doctor can take exams to rule out any other causes and potentially discuss medications or lifestyle changes that will help.

2. Don't Skip Screenings and Checkups   

Early detection of breast cancer ensures a better chance of treating the disease. To catch the illness before it worsens, you get health screenings every one to three years, beginning in your 20s. Clinical breast exams are performed by a gynecologist in the office, where they will feel for any abnormalities. 

Once women reach their 40s, they should also get a mammogram. This process examines the chest through a series of pictures taken. A doctor then reviews the images to detect any lumps not visible to the touch. 

3. Be Conscious of Nutrition

A healthy diet is associated with a lower chance of developing a hormone-negative breast tumor. While this condition isn't the most common, it is hard to treat. Fruits and vegetables can reduce this risk, likely due to being rich in carotenoids, which are powerful antioxidants. Therefore, your diet should include foods such as apples, broccoli, carrots, watermelon, and whole grains.

Other considerations include drinking plenty of water and limiting alcohol consumption. You can also ask your doctor about a vitamin D supplement, which can help lower the risk factors of many diseases and improve mood, energy, and bone health. 

Maintain optimal breast health with the help of Peninsula Community Health Services in Soldotna, AK. Their compassionate and experienced team offers a wide range of medical, eye care, dental, and behavioral health services for the whole family at affordable prices. Whether you need a vaccination or assistance managing a chronic condition, you can rely on them to find a solution for your needs. For more information on their services, visit the website or call (907) 262- 3119 today.