Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in US women. Statistically, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Even scarier, women with the BRCA1 genetic mutation have a 55-56% chance of developing the disease, but that doesn’t mean women without breast cancer in their families are safe. According to BreastCancer.org, less than 15% of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of it. While no one likes to think about the possibility of something so devastating happening to them, as a parent, it’s even scarier. Perhaps the worst fear in the world for any mother is the idea of not being around to care for her child. While you can’t predict the future, there are things you can do to protect the future of your loved ones:
1.) Monthly self breast exams. Learn how to do them here.
2.)Limit your intake of alcohol.
3.) Avoid smoking
4.) Control your weight.
5.) Get yourself and your children tested for the BRCA1 gene
6.) Breast feed! According to Mayo Clinic, the longer you breast feed, the greater degree of protection.
7.) Make sure you have adequate health insurance coverage
8.) Go in for regular physicals with breast exams. Your doctor can recommend appropriate screenings for your age such as mammograms or ultrasounds.
9.) According to Cleveland Clinic, eating cruciferous vegetables and taking a vitamin D3 supplement can be helpful in preventing breast cancer.
10.) After doing your best to protect yourself, do your best to protect your family. Talk to your financial advisor or an expert at Michigan Term about how life and disability insurance can ensure the financial future of your loved ones.
