How to protect yourself from breast cancer
What self-exams and screening to do at different ages, how to prepare for a mammogram and how to lower your risk. Made with the Ne Naprasno medical foundation.
How to protect yourself from breast cancer
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women.
The best way to protect yourself is to know your body well and get checked, so you can spot signs of the disease as early as possible. Our cards explain how to do this at different ages. We made them together with the Ne Naprasno foundation.
You can learn more about screening on the foundation's website.
The self-examination illustrations are by an illustrator.
How to protect yourself from breast cancer?
According to the WHO, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women.
Out of 100 women, 5–6 will get this disease during their lifetime.
5–6%: the risk of developing breast cancer for women in Russia.
Breast cancer is most common between the ages of 60 and 64.
Younger women should keep the disease in mind too, and have preventive check-ups. These help find the disease at an early stage, when treatment is more effective and less traumatic.
Ages 20–40
Monthly breast self-examination
Ideally on the same day of your menstrual cycle.
The 5th day of the cycle is recommended
At this point the breast is usually relaxed.
Important
Self-examination does not replace visits to the doctor. If you find lumps, pain or discharge, see a breast specialist (mammologist) straight away.
Ages 20–40: breast self-examination
1. Stand in front of a mirror with your hands on your hips and your shoulders level.
2. Raise your arms above your head. Look for any changes in the shape, size or colour of your breasts.
3. Use your right hand to feel your left breast, and your left hand to feel your right breast, checking for lumps.
4. Make sure you have felt the whole breast with small circular movements.
Ages 40–75
A mammogram once every 2 years
A mammogram is a breast X-ray taken from two angles and read twice: two radiologists look at the images and write two independent reports. In Russia it is the main screening method and is part of the national health check-up programme.
If hereditary cancer syndromes run in your family, the screening schedule changes:
From age 25: a breast MRI every year.
From age 30: a mammogram plus an MRI every year.
How to prepare for a mammogram?
1. Pick a day when your breasts are least sensitive. If you have not reached menopause, that is the first week after your period.
2. Bring the results of earlier mammograms and the discs from earlier scans. The radiologist will find them useful.
3. Do not put deodorant, creams or lotions on your breasts or armpits. Metal particles in them can distort the image.
4. Tell the technician if you have breast implants.
How to lower your risk of breast cancer?
Live a healthy lifestyle: stay physically active, keep your weight in check and drink less alcohol.
Also keep in mind the possible risks of hormone therapy, and don't skip regular self-exams and screening. A tumour found early can be treated more effectively and less traumatically.
