American Cancer Society Screening
doctor about the risks and find out if it is right for you.
These recommendations are for women with
Breastfeed your children, if possible.
average health. Please remember screening
If you have a family history of breast cancer or
recommendations should be made based on
inherited changes in your BRCA1 and BRCA2
family history. - Every year (if a woman chooses to do so) ages 40-44
genes, talk to your doctor about other ways to lower your risk. Staying healthy throughout your life will lower
- Every year ages 45-54
your risk of developing cancer, and improve
- Every 2 years (or every year if a woman
your chances of surviving cancer if it occurs
chooses to do so) starting at age 55, for as long as a woman is in good health. NOW WHAT? Reduce your risk factors. Follow the mammogram recommendations of your provider. Do your monthly self- breast exam. Reduce your risk factors. We discussed it. We can’t get around it. We must make sound decisions to eat healthier and move more. Being obese just is not in our best interest on any level.
BREAST CANCER PLEDGE I PLEDGE TO Learn the facts about breast cancer Understand my individual risk based on
Many factors over the course of a lifetime can influence your breast cancer risk. You can’t
family history
change some factors, such as getting older or
Find
your family history, but you can help lower your
detection and what is right for me
risk of breast cancer by taking care of your
Talk to my health care provider to learn
health in the following ways—
about my breasts, and what ongoing care may
out
about
the
different
tools
of
be best for me Maintain a healthy weight.
Know when I should get screened for breast cancer
Exercise regularly.
and
follow
through
on
these
recommendations Start a conversation with the women and
Don’t drink alcohol, or limit alcoholic drinks.
men in my life about our breast health
If you are taking, or have been told to take,
Phyllis
hormone replacement therapy or oral
Carter
BSN, RN
contraceptives (birth control pills), ask your
15
Goodman
