October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and in the United States, 1 in 8 women is affected by breast cancer. The goal of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to promote screening and prevention of the disease. At Surgery Associates of Tupelo, we are proud to support and guide our patients through any concerns or unexpected results. When you have health concerns, having a dedicated team of nurses and doctors who care can make all the difference. Our combination of cutting-edge technology and traditional, personalized care means you are in good hands. Today, we are here to show you five ways to reduce your risk for breast cancer:
- Screening Mammograms: The American College of Breast Surgeons and the American College of Radiology recommend screening mammograms yearly after the age of 40. For many women, mammograms are the best means of early detection. Typically, the earlier breast cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat.
- Reducing Alcohol Consumption: Another way to reduce your risk of breast cancer is to reduce alcohol consumption. The National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention recommends women have no more than 1 drink per day and no more than 7 drinks per week; any increased consumption can increase your risk. Reducing your alcohol consumption can also benefit your overall health, including your risk of other cancers and diseases.
- Exercise: Exercise is important for achieving healthy living overall. We recommend an hour to an hour and a half per week of moderate to vigorous exercise. Research has shown that women who increase their physical activity after menopause may have a lower risk of breast cancer than women who do not.
- Healthy Weight: If you are at a healthy weight, maintaining that weight helps reduce your breast cancer risk. If you are overweight, we recommend discussing with your doctor healthy ways to lose weight. Having more fat tissue can raise estrogen levels, which may increase your risk for breast cancer.
- Hormone Monitoring: If you are on post-menopausal hormonal therapy, talk to your doctor about ways of possibly reducing your hormone intake, such as finding natural ways to alleviate side effects of menopause. Hormones can stimulate the growth of breast cancer.
If you are affected by breast cancer, we want you to know you are not alone. At Surgery Associates, we perform different types of breast surgery depending on your individual patient needs. We want to discuss your options with you to help you make the best decision, and we encourage family and spouse participation during this process. If you are in need of an appointment, schedule one with us today. See what our patients are saying:
“Dr. Gilliland did my breast cancer surgery. He’s the greatest. He has been on this journey with me all the way.”
S. M., patient
If you have questions or an issue that needs to be examined by a surgeon, call our office anytime! If you are seen at our breast care center, that you need to see a surgeon or have a biopsy evaluated, we can see most patients same-day. You don’t need a referral! Call us today at (662) 844-5344. We are open 8:00-5:00 Monday through Thursday and 8:00-noon on Fridays.
