Comprehensive breast care requires a combined effort by a woman and her doctor, says Christopher Barbour, M.D., an obstetrician-gynecologist at Good Samaritan Hospital. Perform monthly breast self-exams. Ask your doctor to show you the proper way to perform self-exams, then do them on your own each month, about a week after your menstrual cycle begins. If you have reached menopause, select a day each month and stick with it. Have annual physical exams.
Regular checkups are an important component of complete breast care.
Women who eat foods low in fat and high in antioxidants, like vitamins C and E, have lower risks for breast cancer, according to recent studies. Fortunately, about 97 percent of breast lumps are benign. Use of our site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use . Advocate Health Care respects your privacy. We invite you to view our Privacy Policy .