In 2008 the American Cancer Society estimated that there would be 182,460 new cases of breast cancer in women. Of these cases, 11,000 would be under 40 years of age.

Even thought the incidence of breast cancer is young women is lower than that of older women, if a young woman gets breast cancer it may be a more aggressive type of cancer and the survival rate may not be as high in younger women.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in cancer deaths in young women under age 40.

So, here are some things we can do for optimal breast health:

• Perform regular self-exams
• Find out what is our healthy body mass
• Raising vitamin D and calcium intake — while studies of the nutritional benefits of vitamin D and calcium are not  clear, research links higher intakes with lower risk of developing breast cancer
• Eating soy and leafy greens, a good nutritional start for many women
• Getting plenty of sleep
• Getting regular exercise and body movement
• Lessening or (even better) eliminating alcohol and tobacco use
• Managing estrogen exposure, current oral contraceptive or HRT use
• Healing negative emotional patterns that create stress and anxiety

In addition women 40 years of age or older should be having mammograms (a picture of the breast made with X-rays) every 1-2 years.

Women who are younger than age 40 but have a history of breast cancer may think about starting earlier with the mammograms and should check with your health professional.

Mammograms can show a breast lump before it can be felt so don’t put it off. Always check with your medical professional for any symptoms you may have such as:

A change in how the breast or nipple feels

     1. A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area

     2. Nipple tenderness

A change in how the breast or nipple looks

     1. A change in the size or shape of the breast

     2. A nipple turned inward into the breast

     3. The skin of the breast, areola or nipple may be scaly, red, or swollen. It may  have ridges or pitting, and there may be nipple discharge or pain

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