💕 Taking Charge of Your Breast Health: What Every Woman Should Know
Whether you’re 20 or 70, understanding your breast health is one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself. Early detection saves lives! But prevention and awareness can give you confidence and peace of mind.
1️⃣ Know Your Risk
Every woman’s breast cancer risk is different. Factors like age, family history, lifestyle, and breast density all matter.
👉 Take the Tyrer–Cuzick Risk Assessment — a tool that estimates your lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Discuss the results with your provider to plan when to start mammograms or whether you need additional screening.
📱 Download the Know Your Lemons App to track self-exams, learn about the 12 signs of breast cancer, and receive reminders based on your cycle or age.
2️⃣ Practice Regular Self-Checks
Only about 9% of women perform monthly breast self-exams with confidence. You can change that.
Get to know your normal: texture, size, and shape.
Include your entire breast area, collarbone to underarm, rib cage.
Report any new dimpling, lumps, or changes to your provider.
Remember: Most changes are not cancer, but all are worth checking.
3️⃣ Stay Consistent with Screening
Early detection through imaging saves lives.
Ages 40+: Talk with your doctor about annual or biennial mammograms.
Higher-risk women: May need earlier or additional MRI screening.
99% of breast cancers found early are treatable — don’t delay.
4️⃣ Common Questions and Misconceptions
Q: Do mammograms cause breast cancer?
No. The radiation exposure from a mammogram is very low — about the same as flying cross-country. The benefits of early detection far outweigh any risk.
Q: If I don’t have a family history, am I less at risk?
Most breast cancers occur in women without a family history. In fact, about 85% of women diagnosed have no known genetic link. Screening and lifestyle habits still matter greatly.
Q: What can I do today to lower my risk?
Maintain a healthy weight
Exercise regularly
Limit alcohol
Eat more plant-based foods
Avoid smoking
Get enough sleep and manage stress
These steps improve hormonal balance, immune function, and inflammation — all factors linked to breast cancer prevention.
5️⃣ Nutrition and Lifestyle Tips
Small daily choices make a big difference:
🥦 Eat the rainbow: load up on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
🍇 Antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, and cruciferous veggies support cellular repair.
🍷 Limit alcohol: even one drink per day increases risk.
🏃♀️ Move regularly: aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week.
🥑 Choose healthy fats: olive oil, avocados, nuts, and omega-3s are protective.
(Sources: Cleveland Clinic, Memorial Sloan Kettering, NY Presbyterian, MD Anderson)
6️⃣ Build Your Support System
Knowledge is power, but connection sustains it. Share what you learn with your friends and family. Every conversation helps another woman take control of her health.
Together, we can replace fear with empowerment: one woman, one conversation, one lemon at a time. 🍋
