Health Tips Early Breast Cancer Detection Crucial for Survival The earlier that breast cancer is detected and treatment is started, the better a woman's chances of survival. The keys to early detection of breast cancer include frequent mammograms, clinical exams, and self-exams. The American Cancer Society recommends the following guidelines to improve early detection: Ages 20 - 39 Visit your doctor for a clinical breast exam at least every three years. If you choose to perform breast self-exams, do them on a regular basis and ask your doctor to watch you do a self-exam during your checkup to be sure you're using the correct technique. Ages 40 and over Schedule yearly mammograms and clinical breast exams. Also be on the lookout for any changes in breast appearance, shape, and size. Promptly report all changes to your doctor. If you have an increased risk of developing breast cancer, either because of family history or genetic predisposition, consult your doctor about the possibility of beginning mammography screening before the age of 40 or having more frequent clinical exams. Lowering Ovarian Cancer Risk Ovarian cancer is often a silent threat to women and frequently goes unnoticed until it's too late to treat. As with most cancers, it's not always a preventable condition. However, there are a few factors that may reduce your risk of developing ovarian cancer. DIET: The best anticancer diet is one that is low in saturated fat and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES: Studies have shown that women who use birth control pills for three or more years significantly lower their chances of developing ovarian cancer. Consult with your physician to see if this type of preventive medicine is right for you. Handling a Winter Cold Have you been hit by a nasty winter cold? We all get them from time to time, especially when working with children, but the trick is figuring out how to avoid compromising your diet while sick. Here are a few tips: DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS -- Water is the optimal choice, but if you feel especially dehydrated, an electrolyte balancing drink can be a good alternative. In addition, hot herbal tea will soothe a sore throat, and club soda may soothe an upset stomach. TAKE A ZINC PILL WITHIN THE FIRST 24 HOURS OF A COLD -- Zinc products, such as Zicam or Cold-Eeze, can shorten the duration and intensity of a cold if taken at the first sign of symptoms. GET PLENTY OF REST -- Allowing your body proper time to rest will help ensure a speedy recovery. PUT YOUR HEALTH FIRST -- If you can't find sugar-free medicine(these products are commonly made for diabetics. Be aware that these products may contain sugar alcohols, increased amounts of which can cause GI distress), or are worried about skipping your daily exercise, don't stress. Your health should come first - once you are 100 percent again, you can get back to the diet. And remember what your mother always said "WASH YOUR HANDS"! CHILD BIRTH: Women who have their first child before the age of 30 may reduce their risk of developing ovarian cancer. That's not to say you should run out and have children just to avoid cancer! However, it is a possible side benefit. BREAST FEEDING: Women who breast-feed for a year or more have a lower chance of developing ovarian cancer. SURGERY: Tubal ligation and/or hysterectomy may reduce the risk of developing some types of ovarian cancer. As with pregnancy, surgery is not recommended for the sole purpose of reducing cancer risk.

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