Breast Health

1
Breast Health

• Keeping you and
• your breasts healthy

Prepared by Sara Funke, HETC member, University
of Kansas School of Nursing BSN student
2
What is Breast Health?

• Take action regarding your breast health
• Participate in the three pronged approach to
  early detection
• Regular checkups with your doctor
• Be informed about ways to reduce your risk of
  breast illness

3
What is Breast Health?

• Be informed about signs/symptoms of breast
  illness
• Have support from friends and family regarding
  your health
• Knowing your family history

4
Take Action!

• CONGRATULATIONS
• You are participating in the first step to breast
  health TAKING ACTION!

5
Early Detection

• Three pronged approach
• Breast Self Examination
• Clinical Breast Exam
• Mammogram

6
Breast Self Examination

• More than 80 of all breast illnesses are
  discovered by women themselves
• Perform once a month beginning at the age of 18
• Complete during the last days of your period and
  at the same time each month
• Practice, practice, practice. Find the technique
  best for you
• Complete the exam on a bare breast while laying
  in bed or standing in the shower
• See instructions for performing the breast self
  examination

7
Clinical Breast Exam

• See your provider once a year to receive this
  test beginning at age 18
• This examination is much like the breast self
  examination but SHOULD NOT replace performing the
  monthly breast self examination
• Make sure to ask your provider to perform this
  test, as not all providers offer this on every
  visit

8
Mammogram

• A low dose x-ray imaging to provide high quality
• images of the breast
• During a mammogram the technologist images each
  breast separately. The breast is placed on a
  film cassette and gently compressed. The purpose
  of the compression is to flatten the breast so
  the maximum amount of tissue will appear
• Have your first mammogram at age 35
• Begin annual mammograms at age 40

9
Mammogram

• Schedule your mammogram six months from your
  annual exam so you can be assured your breasts
  will be checked twice a year, a mammogram and a
  clinical breast exam
• Schedule your mammogram for the first 10 days of
  your menstrual cycle when your breasts are least
  tender

10
Risk Factors for Breast Illness

• Female
• Getting older
• Personal history of breast or ovarian cancer
• Family history of breast caner
• Previous biopsy showing abnormal cells
• First period before age 12
• Starting menopause before age 35
• Never having children

11
Risk Factors for Breast Illness

• Having your first child after age 30
• Drinking more than 1 alcoholic drink per day
• Being overweight after menopause or gaining
  weight as an adult
• Currently or recently using combined estrogen and
  progesterone hormone replacement therapy
• Excessive radiation, especially as a child
• Contact with pesticides, herbicides, bleach, and
  plastics

12
Breast Illness

• Breast Cancer
• Anyone can get breast cancer even if there is no
  family history
• Men can also be diagnosed with breast cancer
• The 5 year survival rate for all women diagnosed
  with breast cancer is 86
• Early detection is key in diagnosing and treating
  breast cancer

13
Support during Breast Illness

• Informational support
• Emotional support
• Tangible support
• This support will reduce stress, reduce the side
  effects of treatment, boost your immune system,
  increase your desire to be well, and lengthen
  your life!

14
Ways to promote breast health

• Regular doctor visits and performance of breast
  self examination
• High dietary intake of carotenes such as dark
  leafy greens, carrots, yams
• High dietary intake of vitamin C and Vitamin E,
  and folic acid
• Consumption of phytoestrogens such as lentils,
  miso, tamari, roots, cabbage, grains, and beans
• REGULAR, SIGNIFICANT EXERCISE THROUGHOUT ONES
  LIFE

15
Your health is in your hands, dont let it slip
away
16
References

• The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
• The Maurer Foundation at www.maurer-foundation.org
  
• http//www.rehabdesigns.com/liv_kit/pdf/LivQuickRe
  f.pdf
• www.fwhc.org/health/breast-cancer.html