
3 Ways to Be Proactive About Your Breast Health

Next to skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting women in the United States. It’s one of the primary concerns most women have about their breast health.
Over 300,000 new cases of breast cancer are expected across the country in 2025. Fort Worth, Texas, gynecologist John A. Whitfield, MD, and his team encourage you to stay on top of your breast health to increase your chances of early cancer detection and a better understanding of your body.
To help you, we’ve prepared this month’s blog, providing you with three ways to be proactive about your breast health. Consider these important strategies, implement them into your daily routine, and contact us when you have questions or concerns.
Breast health is body health
Your lifestyle has a tremendous effect on your entire body, breasts included. Certainly, mothers who breastfeed are aware of this, but it’s a concern for every woman. Breast health begins with the basics, which leads us to the first of three ways you can take proactive steps.
1. Healthy lifestyle choices
There are no surprises here. As well as your breasts, your entire body benefits from health choices like:
- Achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight: use the body mass index (BMI) as your guide
- Stay physically active: 30 minutes of moderate, low-impact activity, 150 minutes per week, is considered an appropriate baseline for good health
- Choose a healthy diet: focus on fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats
- Don’t smoke and moderate alcohol use: tobacco use is a major cancer risk factor, and alcohol is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer
- Choose breastfeeding when possible: it has benefits for the child and the mother
- Carefully consider hormone therapies: balance the benefits and risks
All aspects of your health can benefit from wise choices.
2. Know your breasts
Perform breast examinations at least once a month, so that you’re familiar with their normal appearance and feel. Watch for lumps, dimpling, swelling, texture changes, or changes to the nipples. Unexplained changes in size or shape are also worth follow-up.
3. Regular mammograms
Discuss your needs with Dr. Whitfield. Every woman has their own level of breast cancer risk, and regular screenings can help keep you protected. Dr. Whitfield will suggest the appropriate mammogram schedule for you.
Following these proactive methods can keep you healthy while providing the best chances for early detection when breast health problems arise. Contact John A. Whitfield, MD, to book a personalized consultation and exam today.
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