Dr. Agatha Moniz, a leading women’s health expert at Medcare Hospital, sheds light on the significance of awareness and early detection in the battle against breast cancer. Early identification allows for prompt treatment, significantly increasing the chances of successful outcomes for women diagnosed with this disease.
Dr. Moniz emphasizes the value of regular screenings. These screenings can detect breast cancer in its early stages, before it becomes more aggressive and difficult to treat. Early detection has played a critical role in preventing countless women from reaching the advanced stages of breast cancer, which can be fatal.
Understanding Your Risk Factors
While the exact causes of breast cancer remain under scientific exploration, certain factors can elevate your risk. These include:
- Family history: Having close relatives (mother, sister, daughter) with a history of breast cancer increases your risk.
- Lifestyle choices: A diet heavy in unhealthy fats and processed foods, smoking, and a lack of physical activity can contribute to an increased risk.
- Hormonal factors: Extended use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can heighten breast cancer risk.
Taking Charge of Your Health
Knowledge of these risk factors and scheduling regular check-ups are crucial for maintaining good health and preventing breast cancer. Dr. Moniz also highlights some positive factors that can help reduce your risk:
- Having children and breastfeeding: These can offer a degree of protection against breast cancer.
Empowering Yourself Through Knowledge and Action
By being aware of your risk factors and taking proactive steps like regular check-ups, you can become an active participant in the fight against breast cancer. Early detection is the key. Discuss a personalized screening plan with your doctor to take control of your health.
Remember, a mammogram, a low-dose X-ray of the breast, is a vital screening tool for breast cancer detection. Regular self-examinations are also recommended. Familiarize yourself with the normal look and feel of your breasts, and report any changes to your doctor promptly.
Together, through awareness, early detection, and a commitment to healthy habits, we can make significant strides in the fight against breast cancer.
