As we end the month of October, the board and advisors of the Gregory B. Davis Foundation would like to encourage you to follow the American Cancer Society Guidance regarding self-breast exams. The majority of breast cancers are discovered through a combination of self-examinations and the all-important mammograms. There is conflicting guidance regarding how often women should receive mammograms, but it is the position of the GBDF Board that all women should receive mammograms regardless of age.
Dr. Melanie Whitten also suggests the following guidance from the America Cancer Society:
• 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime
• Breast Cancer is the 2nd most common cause of cancer death in women
o lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in women
o if you are a smoker, please find a cessation program that works for you
• It is recommended that women start mammograms at age 40 or ten years before their mother or sister was diagnosed with breast cancer
Tips for Breast Cancer Prevention: • Stay away from tobacco • Get to and stay at a healthy weight. Excess weight is a risk factor for cancer. • Get moving! • Adults—get at least 75 (vigorous) or 150 (moderate) minutes of exercise a week • Children—get at least 1 hour of moderate-vigorous activity a day, with vigorous activity 3x/week • DON’T BE A COUCH POTATO! • Eat healthy • Eat at least 2 ½ cups of fruits and vegetables a day • Choose whole-grain bread, pasta & cereal instead of processed grains. Looks for whole wheat, pumpernickel, rye or oats as the first ingredient on the food label • Limit the amount of processed meats (cold cuts, bacon, hot dogs) & red meat (beef, pork, lamb). Try skinless poultry, fish, or legumes (peas & beans) • Limit alcohol • Men—no more than 2 drinks/day • Women-no more than 3 drinks/day Dr. Melanie Cructchfield-Whitten is a licensed and board certified breast surgeon in Fayetteville, GA.