Stethoscope
Men, just like women, can suffer from breast cancer. A study by the American Cancer Society puts the deaths from male breast cancer at 0.22 percent of all men's cancer deaths. This is despite the fact that men have a very small amount of breast tissue. Anybody with any amount of breast tissue can develop breast cancer. Men and women patients have equal survival rates. However, early detection as well as reduction of risk factors holds the key to preventing male breast cancer.
Instructions
1. Eat healthy, nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains and meats. Eating a good variety of nutritious foods can help reduce your risk of male breast cancer. You should also be exercising on a regular basis -- at least three times a week for 20 minutes each time. Include cardio workouts and strength training for the most benefits.
2. Do a monthly self breast exam to find out if you have any lumps in your breasts. Lumps could be cancerous and may need to be surgically removed or biopsied. A monthly self breast exam is simply feeling the breast tissue (up to your neck, in your armpits, and down just before your stomach) to feel for lumps. Move your fingertips around to find a lump should you have one. If you discover a lump. make an emergency appointment with your doctor to have it checked out.
3. Check your nipples and pay attention to them. When you take a shower or get ready in the morning make it routine to check for discharge (liquid) from the nipples, changes in the shape of your nipples or a rash on your nipples as these could be a symptom of male breast cancer. If you notice any of these signs, call your doctor for an emergency appointment.
4. Talk to your doctor about the risk factors for male breast cancer. If you work in a factory or where it is always hot, or you know someone in your family has or had breast cancer, get a breast exam from your doctor once a year. Ask your doctor to check your hormone levels to ensure they are where they should be.
5. Be aware of your health and take care of yourself to prevent male breast cancer. Talk to your doctor about quitting smoking if you smoke and do not stop trying until you find something that works for you. Cut down on how much alcohol you drink if you drink at all. Learn ways to reduce your overall stress level by exercising, meditating, praying and/or practicing yoga. Living a healthy lifestyle will tremendously help you prevent male breast cancer.
Tags: breast cancer, male breast, your doctor, male breast cancer, breast cancer
