Hello there, lovely ladies! If you’re reading this, then you’ve probably reached the fabulous age of 50 or beyond. Kudos to you for making it this far and continuing to live your best life! One aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle that may be overlooked is breast health. That’s right, ladies, taking care of the girls should be just as important as any other aspect of our health. So, without further ado, let’s dive into some tips for keeping our breasts healthy after 50.

Self-Examinations Are Key

You might have heard the term “breast self-examination” before, but do you know how to do it properly? It’s as simple as touching, looking, and feeling. Take a good look at your breasts in the mirror, looking for any changes in shape, size, or texture. Use your hands to feel around for any lumps or non-typical tissue. It’s highly recommended that you practice a self-exam once a month; this can distinguish any potential growths or irregularities and should prompt you to schedule an appointment with your doctor if necessary. Remember, early detection is crucial when it comes to breast cancer.

 

Get Moving

Regular exercise can improve our overall health, but did you know that it can improve our breast health too? Studies have shown that women who exercise daily (even just for a half-hour walk) have a lower risk of breast cancer. Exercise helps in maintaining a healthy weight, which in turn reduces estrogen levels that increase the risk of breast cancer. Aim to keep your heart rate up and incorporate resistance training to get the most beneficial results.

 

 

Choose an Ideal Bra

Ah, bras… we love them, and we love to hate them. Nevertheless, many of us continue to wear ill-fitting bras that can cause discomfort and worse, harm to our breasts! Treat yourself to a professional bra fitting session (yes, that’s a thing!)  Invest in a couple of well-fitting bras with enough support (especially if you plan on participating in physical activities) and ease up on lace and underwire bras. Bra pressure does compress breast tissue which could lead to blocked milk ducts and fibrocystic lumps.

 

Healthy Eating Habits

The tried and tested adage “you are what you eat” extends to our breast health as well. Multiple studies have shown that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in processed foods and added sugar, can decrease the risk of breast cancer. Aim for a balanced diet, including a range in colour and variety to ensure you’re receiving an adequate intake of all essential food groups. Be mindful of the types of fat you consume and limit your alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day.

 

 

Keep Your Check-Up Appointments

This might seem like a no-brainer, but often people put off scheduled doctor’s appointments, me included. Maintaining bi-annual breast cancer screenings is absolutely vital for breast health. Early detection can make a significant difference in the prognosis and treatment of any potential breast cancer. Don’t let fear or nerves hold you back; book that appointment and know that this is a great way to care for yourself. It is one of the bravest things you can do.

 

Our breasts have been an intimate companion our whole lives; they deserve to be taken care of and appreciated long after fifty. Being proactive about breast health might seem overwhelming, but it’s vital and well worth the effort. These tips should add some ease and comfort to your everyday routine. Remember to perform self-examinations often, maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly, and keep up with your check-ups. We’ve got this, ladies! Boob-tastic breast health is within reach!

 

Ready to take charge of your breast health? Join us for a virtual lunch & learn on May 24th led by the one and only Raissa Chernushenko – a certified breast health educator who knows her stuff. Don’t miss out on this empowering opportunity to show your girls some love. See you there!