Why Mothers and Girls Should Talk About Breast Health – Lifestyle – fosters.com

This article appeared in the magazine Paint it all Pink 2018.

Even though breast cancer does not occur in the family, experts agree that mothers and girls should talk about breast health and cancer prevention.

"Whenever we can have a conversation about something, we feel more in control of the situation. Having breast cancer conversations allows people to take control of their health, "said the social worker and doctoral student. Candidate Erin Nau, coordinator of the counseling and education program for telephone support and breast cancer helpline services from Adelphi in the state of New York.

While mothers raise their daughters by offering advice to parents and giving them advice on healthy living, discussions about illness or cancer may not happen as naturally, Nau said. Having these difficult conversations can help women prevent cancer or prolong their lives if they are diagnosed.

"We recommend that women begin to develop a healthy relationship with their bodies and the health of their breasts from an early age. Once a woman has gone through puberty, she can become familiar with the normal appearance of her breasts. The best time to do this is after your period, when your breast tissue is the most stable, "said Dr. Deborah Lindner, Chief Medical Officer at Bright Pink, the national nonprofit organization focused on prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women.

"Be very clear about your medical history," said Nau. Women with a family history of breast cancer – particularly a first-degree family member, such as a mother, a sister or a daughter – have a higher risk of developing the disease, said Nau.

Family history does not mean that a person will definitely get breast cancer, said Nau.

"Every woman should first assess her breast cancer risk to determine the best prevention plan for her health," said Lindner. "Each person's risk is unique and therefore his or her filtering and reduction recommendations will be unique. Your risk is determined by a combination of factors including your lifestyle, your health history, and your family's health history. "