Cancer is a devastating disease that takes the lives of over .5 million Americans each year, specifically over 40,000 women due to breast cancer. Both numbers could be greatly reduced by earlier diagnosis. Here are 5 quick and easy tips to recognize cancer signs or symptoms:
1. Get a baseline test
Baseline tests are one of the most important components of cancer detection and prevention. This provides a way for doctors to know if cells in your body have changed or been damaged and can aid in early detection.
2. Self-checks
Self checks on a weekly-monthly basis can really help in detecting skin or breast cancer. In fact when detected early, skin cancer is much more curable. A self check consists of searching your body for lesions or growths that seem abnormal, and then going to a doctor to check it out if one is found.
3. Go to doctor’s appointments
The next key to cancer prevention is attending doctor’s appointments and scheduling further appointments if something seems suspicious. Appointments may seem annoying or unnecessary, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
4. Know yourself and pay attention to changes
We are the first line of defense against cancerous diseases since know ourselves the best. Changes in anything need to be noticed. Always remember you are never too young to get cancer.
5. Keep a healthy diet
This might be one of the most overrated sayings in the health world, but it cannot be over-emphasized. Eating nutritious and balanced meals keeps your body strong and able to fight off diseases.
According to Holistic Health Counselor and breast cancer survivor Dawn Swope, diet has a direct correlation to bodily health. Everything we do affects the cells in our body, and we face daily assaults against cancer. Swope urges people to eat the right foods to fight disease because our actions now directly affect our future. Also keep in mind that health is generational, depending on balance, awareness, and nutrition.
“Eliminate toxins in your life, environment, and diet.”
-Dawn Swope
There are two kinds of people: the ones who know something is wrong and face it head on, and those who know something is wrong and don’t face it due to fear. Swope urges people not to not be afraid and wait. Go to a doctor, get looked at it, and listen to your gut—survival rates are drastically higher when cancer is detected early. The best protection is early detection. And remember: no one knows you better than you.
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Image 2: http://www.asiapietrzyk.com/blog/think-pink/
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