An Introduction to Breast Health

Women's breasts come in all shapes and sizes. Regardless of their differences in appearance, all women's breasts need special care to stay healthy for a lifetime. Good breast care starts with the same things that are good for the rest of your body. Practice good nutrition, get plenty of exercise, and cut back on any caffeine, cigarettes, or alcohol if you consume them at all.

Approximately one in eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in her life. For early detection, the American Cancer Society recommends the following breast care guidelines:

It's important to start early and develop good habits for breast care that will continue throughout your life. If you have a young girl in your family, talking to her about breast care as an early teenager is important. It sets the foundation for good habits and breast health for a lifetime. Learning to do self-breast care will help your daughter become familiar with her individual breasts, which will help her clearly discern any abnormal changes that may happen in the future.

This section is divided into multiple articles, covering:

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