Take care of yourself this National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A major goal of this month is encouraging the public to make their health a priority and to actively monitor for signs of the disease. If you would like to take care of yourself this National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, then here are some of the steps that you should take.
Determine Your Risk
This October, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your risk of developing breast cancer. While breast cancer can affect anyone, there are certain factors that can increase your risk of developing the disease. For instance, having a family history of breast cancer increases your chances of getting it as well. While breast cancer is uncommon in men, having a strong family history of the disease will also raise a male’s risk. Other factors that put women at higher risk for breast cancer are being over the age of 45, having the BRCA 1 or 2 gene mutation, having certain genetic syndromes (like Li-Fraumeni or Cowden syndrome), and so on.
Schedule a Screening
Whether you are at low, moderate, or high risk for breast cancer, it’s also important that you schedule a breast cancer screening this month. Early detection is one of the most powerful tools in the fight against breast cancer, so getting your screening sooner rather than later could literally be life-saving. Here are some of the screening options you should consider this month:
- CBE– Clinical breast exams are physical breast examinations conducted by a doctor. During this test, your doctor will feel for any lumps or irregularities on your breasts and underneath your arms. This screening can be conducted on both men and women and is the usual screening method for women under the age of 45.
- Mammograms– Mammograms are the most common form of breast cancer screenings. This test uses x-rays to examine breast tissues for tumors or abnormalities that are too small to detect by touch. Women should start receiving annual mammograms at the age of 45 and can reduce their screenings to once every two years after they turn 55.
- MRI– Magnetic resonance imaging is only administered to those with a high risk for developing breast cancer. This screening method is less common than mammograms because it is more invasive, more risky, and more expensive.
These are some of the steps that you should complete to take care of yourself this National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Want another way to protect yourself this October? Then make sure you have the right personal insurance protections in place. For assistance with all your coverage needs, contact the experts at 01 Insurance in Astoria, New York to get started today