A HOLISTIC AND INTEGRATIVE GYNAECOLOGY APPROACH TO BREAST HEALTH

In the last few months, I have had the opportunity to work with a lot of international clients while practicing in Dubai. I got a chance to learn from women of various nationalities, cultures, religions, etc. Many of them were smart, highly ambitious, high-achieving women. Regardless of their differences, they had some things in common, for example, the high incidence of breast problems. The occurrence of breast problems is at an all-time high, so many women are suffering from breast diseases, benign pre-cancerous and cancerous. I was mind-boggled to see the number of women suffering from breast problems regardless of their culture or nationality. What breaks my heart is these women were made to believe that it's normal to have breast disease and there's nothing much they can do about it except periodic monitoring. Hence, I needed to talk more about it and was inspired to write this blog.

Amid all the talk about breast cancer, the fear looms large - for ourselves and those we hold dear. We promise ourselves to do those regular breast exams, keep track of ultrasounds and mammograms, and remind our friends to do the same. But let's be honest - how many of us stick to it? The truth is, that less than 10% of us prioritize our health; maybe we think that by ignoring the topic, we can avoid the risk altogether. But that's a dangerous misconception.

In this article, I aim to inspire just a few more of us to take proactive steps not only for our well-being but also for the health of our loved ones, our mothers, and our daughters. It's time to face the facts.

First things first, let's understand the risk factors for developing breast cancer and how they apply to us.

Let's talk about how we can reduce our risk of breast cancer our risk of breast cancer and boost overall health. It all starts with strengthening our immune system. Follow these simple steps not only to lower your chances of breast cancer but also to prevent other illnesses:

• Quit Smoking: There's no upside to smoking. If you smoke, it's time to quit for good.
• Stay Active: Aim for 30 minutes of exercise five days a week. To reduce stress, add calming activities like walks, deep breathing, mindfulness, and restorative yoga.
• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water - aim for 8 to 10 glasses a day to help flush out toxins.
• Eat Colorful Veggies: Eat colorful veggies like squash, carrots, and tomatoes. They're packed with disease-fighting carotenoids.
• Include Healthy Fats: Incorporate foods like salmon, nuts, and olive oil into your diet. These natural sources of antioxidants help your body fight off diseases.
• Take Supplements: For an extra immune boost, consider adding vitamins E and C, as well as Omega-3 supplements, to your routine.
• Limit Alcohol: Cut back on alcohol consumption, or stick to a moderate amount, like 4 oz of red wine occasionally.
• Choose Wisely: Opt for organic, non-GMO, and hormone-free foods whenever possible to avoid harmful additives.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: To lower your risk, shed those extra kilos and work towards maintaining a healthy weight.
• Explore Medical Options: Discuss medications like Tamoxifen and Raloxifene with your doctor, which are being studied for their role in breast cancer prevention. One of the most powerful ANTICANCER drugs your body can make is VITAMIN D. Check your levels and optimize them today…
• Practice Mindfulness: Engage in activities like prayer, meditation, and yoga to reduce stress and enhance your body's ability to heal.

Remember, our bodies have an incredible ability to heal themselves. Take the time each day to nurture your body and mind, releasing negative emotions and embracing joy. It's not always easy, but it's worth it for your health and well-being.

What you put on your plate counts — Choosing foods that fight inflammation is crucial.

When you eat matters too — Sometimes, simplicity wins the day.

What to steer clear of — Avoiding acidic and inflammatory foods can play a big role.

Your top priority: Tackling inflammation head-on is key.

Breast cancer, sadly, is all too common. Shockingly, one in eight women faces a breast cancer diagnosis. If it feels like it's everywhere, you're not wrong.

Awareness campaigns are great, but we need to go beyond just knowing about it. Action is essential. Don't get me wrong, raising awareness is vital, and of course, we all want a cure. But prevention starts now. We need to prevent it from coming back so we can live life without the constant fear of cancer.

It's a brutal disease, one that takes so much from us. I genuinely hope for a cure. But in the meantime, it's up to us to take preventive measures.

Research has given us a roadmap for breast cancer preventionfor breast cancer prevention. Let's take it seriously and integrate it into our daily lives. As a woman and mother to two daughters, the topic of "optimal breast health" is always on my mind and is a cornerstone of my family's health regimen. Studies show that we can lower our risks, but it takes effort. Our focus should be on maintaining our best health and keeping inflammation at bay. Let's educate ourselves on the preventive steps we and our loved ones can take.

Today, before we focus on foods that can support better breast health. The following tips can aid in prevention and recovery.

First things first, let's understand what factors that increase breast cancer that increase breast cancer or a recurrence. While genetics play a role, it's essential to note that around 90% of your risk is influenced by environmental factors and lifestyle choices - things you can change.

Your family history plays a significant role in your risk of developing breast cancer. Women who have a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with a history of breast cancer are at a higher risk compared to those without such a family history.

However, it's important to note that only a small portion, about 9%, of breast cancer cases can be directly linked to family history. An even smaller percentage is associated with specific genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2, which also increase the risk of other cancers such as ovarian and colon cancers.

Your risk is further increased if you have:

1. A close relative (mother, sister, or daughter) diagnosed with breast cancer.
2. Multiple generations of family members affected by breast or ovarian cancer.
3. Relatives diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age (under 50).
4. Relatives who had cancer in both breasts.
5. Tested positive for BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 mutations

Additionally, having dense breasts can complicate cancer detection as tumors may be harder to spot on mammograms due to increased connective tissue.

Environmental Factors

Certain environmental factors can influence your risk of developing breast cancer:

• Exposure to ionising radiation
• Contact with DDT and pesticide contaminants (although research findings vary)
• Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
• Obesity, particularly gaining weight in adulthood.
• Alcohol consumption
• Having your first child at an older age
• Never giving birth
• Experiencing menopause at a later stage
• Starting menstruation at an early age (before 12 years old) which exposes women to hormones for a longer period
• Taking oral synthetic estrogen and progestin together for over five years
• Prolonged hormone replacement therapy in menopausal women using Premarin and Provera can increase the risk by 8 per 10,000 women.