What can Hispanic women do to decrease their chances of dying from breast cancer?
With proper early detection and treatment, Hispanic women’s chances of surviving breast cancer will greatly improve. Women can take an active part in the early detection of breast cancer by having regular mammograms and clinical breast exams (breast exams performed by health professionals). Studies show that mammograms reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer. The National Cancer Institute recommends that women in their forties and older have mammograms on a regular basis, every 1 to 2 years. Some women also perform breast self-exams every month. Women should also talk with their doctor about factors that can increase the risk for breast cancer (a family history, for example). Women of any age who are at higher risk for this disease should ask their doctor when to begin and how often to have screening mammograms and breast exams.
