I have always been in pretty good health, so I was surprised one day when my doctor told me my blood pressure was a bit high. She told me to begin watching my salt intake, start exercising, and to try to relax. Well, I intended to follow her advice when I left her office, but the next day I was back to my same habits. I kept using the salt shaker and didn't begin an exercise routine like I had planned. When I went for my next check-up, she told me that my blood pressure was even higher and approaching a dangerous level. I had to begin a blood pressure medication to manage it. I wanted to create a blog to share my story and remind people to listen to their doctors' advice. If a few lifestyle changes can improve your health, then you should make them.
A lump in your breast does not automatically mean that you have breast cancer. Your belief that you might have it is likely based on misinformation that has been spread about lumps and breast cancer. To help you understand the truth, here are some of the myths about breast cancer and the facts.
A Breast Lump Is Likely Cancer
Finding a breast lump can be scary, but there is likely no cause for worry. Most lumps are nothing more than a cyst or an abnormal growth. The lumps can come and go during various times, including your menstrual cycle.
Although you cannot determine whether or not a lump is cancerous simply by feeling it, it is important that you are performing monthly self-examination of your breasts. When a lump does appear, you are more likely to notice it earlier if you are performing regular examinations. Early assessment of changes to your breast are important to your health.
Family History Is the Only Risk Factor for Breast Cancer
One misconception about breast cancer is that the only risk factor for it is a family history of the disease. Some women do not receive the early assessments that are necessary to detect the disease because of this myth. In reality, there are many women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer who did not have a history of the disease.
Family history of breast cancer can increase your odds of developing it, but a lack of history does not mean you are risk-free. Even if you do not have a family history of breast cancer, you still need to have a lump examined by your gynecologist.
Lumpy and Dense Breasts Increase Your Risk of Cancer
Some women naturally have lumpy or dense breasts. One misconception is that women who have dense or lumpy breasts are more likely to have breast cancer. In reality, their risk of developing the disease is no different than other women.
It is important to note that having dense or lumpy breasts does mean that more than a mammogram is needed in examinations. It is more challenging for doctors to differentiate between the normal tissue in the breast and potentially cancerous tissue. To examine your breasts, the doctor will likely use an ultrasound in combination with the mammogram.
Consult with your doctor about any breast lumps you notice or other changes to your breast. He or she can examine the lump and other changes and take steps to determine if there is cause for concern. For more information, contact a clinic like Naples OBGYN.
Share7 April 2017
