How to Reduce Your Breast Cancer Risk
Cancer, in any form, is a dreadful disease, and I sincerely hope our brightest scientists find a cure soon!
My own family and friends have felt the impact, and I understand the pain of both the fight and the loss.
Meanwhile, we must focus on maintaining our health, managing inflammation, and learning about preventive measures for ourselves and our loved ones to reduce our risks.
As a woman, gynaecologist, and mother of daughters, I have always thought that ensuring "best breast health" is a crucial part of our family's wellness routine.
What You Need to Know!
- Knowing Your Risks: Genetics,
Environment, Lifestyle
- Self-Checks, Doctor Visits, and Testing:
Vital Steps
- Priority #1: Tackling ACIDOSIS for Overall Wellness
- Health Tips for Lowering Your Brest Cancer Risks
We all know someone who has faced breast cancer, and some of us may have battled it ourselves.
Reducing Your Body's Overall ACIDOSIS and inflammation: Your Top Priority!
Diet and lifestyle choices play a crucial role in reducing inflammation and lowering your risk for breast cancer.
She-To Diet for Inflammation Reduction:
- Studies confirm the anti-inflammatory benefits of this diet.
- An alkaline diet, a component of She-To, is linked to lower cancer rates.
- Studies suggest that acidic environments may fuel tumour growth.
- Participants in my HORMONE BALANCING program have experienced reduced inflammation and pain with an alkaline diet.
- Intermittent fasting, in feminine style, a part of the She-To lifestyle, may reduce breast cancer risks through AUTOPHAGY
Natural Anti-inflammatory Support:
- Turmeric, rich in curcumin, is a potent inflammation fighter and antioxidant.
- Herbs, botanicals and greens help combat inflammation.
- Organic Turmeric extract ensures high absorption.
- Other recommended supplements include DIM, BIHRT, Vitamin D/K2 combo, melatonin, and probiotics.
- Additional supplements like Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and Omega-3s provide powerful antioxidants to combat disease.
Preventative Focus is Key: The Importance of Self-checks, Doctor Exams, and Testing
>Your health, including your breast health, is in your hands! If you're a man reading this, support the women in your life to prioritize routine breast self-checks, doctor visits, and screenings. Early detection saves lives!
Breast Self-Checks: Start with a visual inspection:
- Step #1: Raise your hands above your head and look for any skin pulling, dimpling, or nipple inversion.
- Step #2: Push your hands together over your head, then bring them down and press at your waist using chest muscles. Notify your doctor of any changes or irregularities.
- Step #3: While standing or seated in the shower, use your opposite hand to feel for lumps or tenderness above your clavicle and under your arm. Use soft, medium, and deep pressure.
Ensure you examine the entire breast area thoroughly.
- Step #4: Lie down and repeat the exam.
- Step #5: Report any abnormal findings to your doctor promptly.
Doctor's Checkups
Your doctor should check your breasts annually using the same steps as self-checks: visual inspection, seated exam, and lying down. If any abnormalities are found, further tests like mammograms, ultrasounds, or biopsies may be needed.
Your doctor might
notice things you didn't do, so regular checkups are crucial. Depending on your
history, you might need more frequent exams.
Know Your Risks
Breast cancer, excluding skin cancer, is the most common type among women. Surprisingly, the majority of cases are diagnosed in women aged 50 and older.
For those of us
crossing the 50 milestone, it's crucial to take proactive steps to minimize our
risks. But regardless of age, there are daily and yearly habits that can
greatly reduce the chances of encountering this disease.
While genetics play a role, it's essential to understand that around 90% of breast cancer risk stems from environmental factors and lifestyle choices that we control. Yes, that's a whopping 90% within our influence!
Here's a quick rundown of known risk factors about breast cancer:
- Prior Breast Cancer: If you've battled breast cancer before, staying vigilant with checkups and recommended screenings is vital. Additionally, certain biopsy results, like "lobular carcinoma in situ" and "atypical ductal hyperplasia," heighten the risk.
- Genetics and Family History: While one in eight women faces invasive breast cancer in their lifetime, this risk significantly increases if a close relative has had breast or ovarian cancer. Genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2 further elevate the risk.
- Personal Risk Factors Include:
- Family history of breast cancer
- Multiple generations affected by breast or ovarian cancer
- Diagnosis in relatives under 50
- Bilateral breast cancer cases in the family
- Dense breast tissue, hindering tumour detection
- Environmental and Lifestyle Factors to Watch Out For:
- Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
- Obesity, especially weight gain in adulthood
- Alcohol consumption
- Exposure to pesticides like DDT (though research findings vary)
- Early onset of menstruation
- Delayed childbirth or nulliparity
- Late menopause
- Hormone replacement therapy with estrogen and progestin
- Prolonged use of oral estrogen and progestin, especially beyond five years
- Exposure to ionizing radiation
Important Screenings: Mammograms, Ultrasounds, MRIs, Biopsies
I get it; screenings can be nerve-wracking. Sometimes, there are false alarms, and it's an emotional ride. I've diagnosed 3 cases of BIRADS 3 and 4 on routine screening last month. It's vital to remember the importance of regular checks.
Mammograms have been shown to lower the risk of dying from breast cancer by 35% in women over 50.
We recommend starting with a baseline mammogram at age 40 and then having one yearly from age 45 onwards. However, mammograms aren't perfect, especially for dense breast tissue, which can hide issues.
If you're at higher risk, you might need more frequent screenings. Talk to your doctor. Lastly, while doctors may send reminders, it's important to mark your calendar, too. Your health matters!
Final Words on Taking Care of Those Breasts!
According to stats
- Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer in women globally, accounting for 25% of all female cancers.
- Breast cancer deaths in the Southeast Asia region are projected to increase to 61.7% by 2040.
- In India, breast cancer accounts for 28.2% of all female cancers, with an estimated 216,108 cases by 2022.
- The age-standardized incidence rate of female breast cancer increased by 39.1% from 1990 to 2016 in India.
These stats might
sound alarming, but there's plenty we can do to lower our risks, and early
detection is crucial!
Remember to
regularly check yourself, visit your doctor for checkups, and don't skip those
mammograms.
Hey ladies, let's
prioritize our health and cherish our amazing bodies; prevention is the key!!
Originally published April 12, 2024