December 27, 2024
As the New Year begins, many of us set resolutions to prioritise health and well-being. While we often focus on fitness or diet, it’s equally important to consider breast health. Breast health is essential for every woman, and making it a priority this year can empower you to stay proactive about your well-being. Here are actionable tips from breast oncologists in Singapore to help you set meaningful resolutions for the year ahead.
1. Perform Regular Self-Examinations
Why It’s Important:
Self-examinations are a simple yet effective way to monitor changes in your breasts. While they don’t replace professional screenings, they can help you detect lumps, swelling, or changes in appearance early.
How to Start:
- Choose a consistent time each month, such as a few days after your period, when your breasts are less tender.
- Use your fingers to feel for any lumps or irregularities, moving in circular motions.
- Look for visual changes, such as dimpling, redness, or changes in nipple appearance.
Resolution: Dedicate 10 minutes each month to a thorough self-exam.
2. Schedule Regular Mammograms or Ultrasounds
Why It’s Important:
Professional screenings like mammograms and ultrasounds are crucial for detecting breast issues that may not be noticeable during self-exams. Early detection is often the key to successful treatment.
How to Start:
- Women aged 40 and above should consider annual mammograms, or earlier if advised by a doctor due to family history.
- If you have dense breast tissue, discuss the need for ultrasounds with your oncologist.
Resolution: Stay on top of recommended screening schedules based on your age and risk factors.
3. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Why It’s Important:
A healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of breast cancer and other health issues. Factors such as diet, exercise, and alcohol consumption significantly impact your breast health.
Actionable Tips:
- Diet: Incorporate a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Foods like berries, leafy greens, and fatty fish are particularly beneficial.
- Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week to maintain a healthy weight and balance hormone levels.
- Limit Alcohol: Studies suggest limiting alcohol consumption to reduce breast cancer risk.
Resolution: Commit to small, sustainable changes, like swapping sugary snacks for fruits or taking daily 30-minute walks.
4. Know Your Family History
Why It’s Important:
Understanding your family’s medical history can help you and your doctor assess your risk of breast cancer. If close relatives have had breast or ovarian cancer, you may need earlier or more frequent screenings.
How to Start:
- Have open conversations with your family to gather medical history.
- Share this information with your breast oncologist to create a personalised care plan.
Resolution: Take the time to document your family’s health history and bring it to your next doctor’s appointment.
5. Learn to Recognise Symptoms
Why It’s Important:
Awareness of potential warning signs can prompt early intervention. While not all changes indicate serious issues, it’s always better to consult a specialist if you notice something unusual.
Common Symptoms to Watch For:
- New lumps or thickened areas in the breast or underarm.
- Changes in breast size, shape, or appearance.
- Persistent pain in one area of the breast.
- Nipple discharge or changes, such as inversion.
Resolution: Stay alert to changes in your body and consult a doctor if anything seems off.
6. Know When to Consult a Breast Oncologist
Why It’s Important:
Breast oncologists specialise in diagnosing and treating breast conditions, from benign lumps to cancer. Consulting one ensures you get expert care tailored to your needs.
When to Seek Help:
- If you detect a lump or notice any symptoms listed above.
- If you have a family history of breast cancer.
- For routine screenings or advice on maintaining breast health.
Resolution: Be proactive about seeking professional advice when needed, even for small concerns.
7. Book Your Screening or Consultation at Radhika Breast & General Surgery Clinic
This year, let breast health be one of your top priorities. At Radhika Breast & General Surgery Clinic, we are dedicated to supporting your journey toward better health. Whether it’s scheduling a mammogram, addressing concerns, or receiving personalised advice, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Take the first step today. Book your screening or consultation now and make 2024 the year you take charge of your breast health with confidence.
As the New Year begins, many of us set resolutions to prioritise health and well-being. While we often focus on fitness or diet, it’s equally important to consider breast health. Breast health is essential for every woman, and making it a priority this year can empower you to stay proactive about your well-being. Here are actionable tips from breast oncologists in Singapore to help you set meaningful resolutions for the year ahead.
1. Perform Regular Self-Examinations
Why It’s Important:
Self-examinations are a simple yet effective way to monitor changes in your breasts. While they don’t replace professional screenings, they can help you detect lumps, swelling, or changes in appearance early.
How to Start:
- Choose a consistent time each month, such as a few days after your period, when your breasts are less tender.
- Use your fingers to feel for any lumps or irregularities, moving in circular motions.
- Look for visual changes, such as dimpling, redness, or changes in nipple appearance.
Resolution: Dedicate 10 minutes each month to a thorough self-exam.
2. Schedule Regular Mammograms or Ultrasounds
Why It’s Important:
Professional screenings like mammograms and ultrasounds are crucial for detecting breast issues that may not be noticeable during self-exams. Early detection is often the key to successful treatment.
How to Start:
- Women aged 40 and above should consider annual mammograms, or earlier if advised by a doctor due to family history.
- If you have dense breast tissue, discuss the need for ultrasounds with your oncologist.
Resolution: Stay on top of recommended screening schedules based on your age and risk factors.
3. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Why It’s Important:
A healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of breast cancer and other health issues. Factors such as diet, exercise, and alcohol consumption significantly impact your breast health.
Actionable Tips:
- Diet: Incorporate a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Foods like berries, leafy greens, and fatty fish are particularly beneficial.
- Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week to maintain a healthy weight and balance hormone levels.
- Limit Alcohol: Studies suggest limiting alcohol consumption to reduce breast cancer risk.
Resolution: Commit to small, sustainable changes, like swapping sugary snacks for fruits or taking daily 30-minute walks.
4. Know Your Family History
Why It’s Important:
Understanding your family’s medical history can help you and your doctor assess your risk of breast cancer. If close relatives have had breast or ovarian cancer, you may need earlier or more frequent screenings.
How to Start:
- Have open conversations with your family to gather medical history.
- Share this information with your breast oncologist to create a personalised care plan.
Resolution: Take the time to document your family’s health history and bring it to your next doctor’s appointment.
5. Learn to Recognise Symptoms
Why It’s Important:
Awareness of potential warning signs can prompt early intervention. While not all changes indicate serious issues, it’s always better to consult a specialist if you notice something unusual.
Common Symptoms to Watch For:
- New lumps or thickened areas in the breast or underarm.
- Changes in breast size, shape, or appearance.
- Persistent pain in one area of the breast.
- Nipple discharge or changes, such as inversion.
Resolution: Stay alert to changes in your body and consult a doctor if anything seems off.
6. Know When to Consult a Breast Oncologist
Why It’s Important:
Breast oncologists specialise in diagnosing and treating breast conditions, from benign lumps to cancer. Consulting one ensures you get expert care tailored to your needs.
When to Seek Help:
- If you detect a lump or notice any symptoms listed above.
- If you have a family history of breast cancer.
- For routine screenings or advice on maintaining breast health.
Resolution: Be proactive about seeking professional advice when needed, even for small concerns.
7. Book Your Screening or Consultation at Radhika Breast & General Surgery Clinic
This year, let breast health be one of your top priorities. At Radhika Breast & General Surgery Clinic, we are dedicated to supporting your journey toward better health. Whether it’s scheduling a mammogram, addressing concerns, or receiving personalised advice, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Take the first step today. Book your screening or consultation now and make 2024 the year you take charge of your breast health with confidence.
By setting these resolutions and committing to proactive care, you can help ensure a healthier, brighter future for yourself. Remember, your health is your most valuable asset—treat it with care!