Breast cancer risks for nurses

Nurses and breast cancer

As we all know, the nursing lifestyle, which includes working long and often odd hours, poses special health risks, including developing diseases such as breast cancer. Greco asserts, “As nurses, we care for others and may fail to take the time to care for ourselves. We have a responsibility to care for our own breast health and be role models for the advice we give others.”

Three tips  to help maintain breast health:

1. Practice breast awareness. Be aware of how your breasts and nipples look and feel normally, paying attention to any changes that occur, and having any changes evaluated by a healthcare provider. Breast changes to watch for include:

• A change in the size or shape of your breasts
• A lump or firmness in your breast or under your arm
• Scaly, red or swollen skin on your breast or nipple
• A nipple that is facing inward or feeling tender
• Abnormal fluid coming from your nipple.

2. Get screened. Know your breast cancer risk and follow current breast cancer screening guidelines.

3. Lower your breast cancer risk by living a healthy lifestyle:

• If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Drinking alcohol increases breast cancer risk. The more alcohol you drink, the more your breast cancer risk increases.
• Exercise regularly. The American Cancer Society recommends 45 to 60 minutes of intentional physical activity five or more days a week to help reduce breast cancer risk.
• Eat a healthy, low-fat diet with at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity can increase breast cancer risk, especially after menopause.

It’s up to you

No one can make you take care of yourself, just as you can’t make a patient comply with treatment. But we can hope that nurses realize how important it is for them to be aware of their own bodies, to be knowledgeable about their health, so they can continue to live long and healthy lives.

Source: aacn.nche.edu