By SOLA OGUNDIPE
ONE of the best ways to take care of breasts to prevent ill health particularly breast cancer is proper breast care.
Breast care is essential for every woman regardless of her age. Here are simple care tips ways every woman can adopt.
Maintain healthy weight
Being overweight can increase risk of developing breast cancer as well as reduce chances of surviving it. A healthy lifestyle can keep your breasts healthy.
Regular exercise
Exercise can shape your breasts and improve blood circulation. Aim to exercise for 45 minutes to an hour five days a week. Exercise help to maintain body weight; body weight and breast shape are co-related. Exercising will keep your body and breasts fit, but will not increase breast size.
Massage
Massage helps blood circulation. Massage clockwise and then anti-clockwise using your fingers.
Self-Examination
Breast Self Examination, BSE, is vital. In the shower raise one arm and with the other hand softly massage your breasts in circular movements.
Wear the right bra
Bras have to be the right size and type. Medical experts say tight and ill-fitting bras can restrict air supply and blood flow. This can lead to breast cancer. Make sure your bras are the right size, cup-wise and frame-wise.
Banish alcohol
Research has shown that two drinks a day could increase breast cancer risk by 21 percent. Instead, try swapping wine for fresh grapes. Resveratrol, found in the skin of grapes, helps reduce estrogen levels, which in turn reduce syour risk
Eat vegetables
A low-fat diet can do a lot to reduce your risk, but for even more protection, add some cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and kale, to your plate. They contain sulforaphane, which is believed to help prevent cancer cells from multiplying. For an extra dose of cancer-fighting power, eat them raw.
Get checked
Have a clinical breast exam at least every three years and annual examinations and mammograms starting at age 40. Women with a family history should begin screening 10 years prior to the family member’s age of diagnosis.
