3 Steps to Improve Your Overall Breast Health

We’re halfway through 2018, providing us with the perfect opportunity to reflect on the goals we have set for ourselves this year and how we are tracking toward them. At iCAD, our goal is to keep you iNFORMED and aware by sharing tips and resources that are pertinent to your breast health.

And while many individuals set goals and resolutions for themselves each year related to health, there are often other sides of health that get left behind – such as your breast health.

This year alone, an estimated 266,120 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S., which is why it’s important to take care of yourself each and every day. A few small steps now can have a major impact on your long-term breast health.

1. Take care of yourself – Studies show that chronic poor sleepers are at a higher risk of developing cancer, so it’s essential to get the recommended eight hours of sleep a day to improve your overall health. In addition, eating a healthy, low-fat diet can help boost your immune system and reduce the risk of first-time breast cancer. Regular exercise is extremely beneficial, too, and is shown to lower the risk of breast cancer diagnosis, as well as decrease risk of recurrence.
2. Perform self-exams – Early detection is key, which is why it’s important for women to regularly (at least monthly) check your breasts for any abnormalities. A self-exam can be done in the shower, in front of a mirror, or lying down. But if you do happen to notice any abnormalities while performing a self-exam, contact your doctor immediately.
3. Get your annual screenings – Mammograms, an X-ray image of the breast, are used to check for breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms of the disease. Unfortunately, many women skip their annual exam, costing radiology departments of medical centers $1 million in revenue per year. It’s crucial for women – whether or not breast cancer runs in the family – to be proactive and get your annual screenings.

Taking small steps now can greatly improve your overall breast health and help reduce your risk for breast cancer. For more questions related to breast health, contact a member of our team today or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter.

About iCAD:

iCAD is a global medical technology leader providing innovative cancer detection and therapy solutions. We work passionately to provide precise, powerful healthcare solutions expertly engineered to optimize operational efficiency, clinician confidence and patient outcomes. iCAD offers a comprehensive range of artificial intelligence and workflow solutions to support rapid and accurate detection of breast and colorectal cancers. For more information, visit www.icadmed.com or www.xoftinc.com.