Posted on Sep 27, 2019 in
FOCUS ON THE CURE
Sandra Templeton, M.D.
Houston Methodist Breast Surgery Partner
When it comes to breast cancer, certain risk factors are out of your control, such as your genes and age, as well as starting your first menstrual cycle at a young age. Yet even more risk factors are within your control, and every day new research is emerging that suggests breast cancer may be more preventable than experts originally thought. Women can take steps to mitigate their risk of developing breast cancer and increase their chances of survival if it occurs.
Here are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of breast cancer:
- Be physically active.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Choose to breastfeed.
- Consume more monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil.
- Those at a high risk should/can consult with your physician about taking preventive medications.
- Genetic testing and intervention if you have a strong family history of breast cancer.
Schedule Your Mammogram
While these are all great steps to take to reduce your risk of breast cancer, scheduling your annual mammogram is the most important. Mammography is the most effective tool available in diagnosing breast cancer at an early stage, long before tumors are large enough to be felt or to cause any symptoms. Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land offers mammogram patients a comfortable experience in a relaxing environment.
If further testing is needed, the Breast Care Center has the latest in diagnostic imaging and biopsy procedures. The Breast Care Center also provides breast care education, support programs, self-care and other cancer prevention screenings and treatment.
Consult An Expert
Sandra Templeton, M.D., is a board-certified surgeon who specializes in diseases and surgery of the breast. Her clinical expertise includes advanced breast surgery techniques, nipple-sparing mastectomies, skin-sparing mastectomies, oncoplastic procedures and benign breast diseases to include high-risk patients.
Templeton works with the hospital’s leading specialty trained breast radiologists, radiation oncologists, reconstructive surgeons, oncologists and pathologists to support patients through all phases of their treatment, in one convenient location. This is the Houston Methodist level of cancer care — where technology and compassion are leading to a cure.
