How To Reduce Your Risk Of Breast Cancer

In January 2003, the Journal of the American Medical Association featured a study finding that obesity appears to lessen life expectancy, especially among young adults. The researchers compared Body-Mass Index (BMI) to longevity and found a correlation between premature death and higher BMIs. For example, a 20-year-old white male, 5’10″ weighing 288 pounds with a BMI of greater than 40 was estimated to lose 13 years of his life as a result of obesity.Jamie McManus, M.D., F.A.A.F.P. and author of “Your Personal Guide to Wellness” notes that while this study referenced extreme levels of obesity, there are still millions of overweight people in developed countries with a life expectancy rate that is three to five years less than their healthy-weight counterparts. She also estimates that there are 600,000 obesity related deaths each year in America.

Just how does obesity shorten our lifespan? The answer to this question is complex, yet there is a clear link between obesity and the development of cancer. An extensive study conducted by the American Cancer Institute involving 750,000 people showed that obesity significantly increased the risk of cancer developing in the following organs: breast, colon, ovaries, uterus, pancreas, kidneys and gallbladder.

Michael Thun, MD, vice-president of epidemiology and surveillance research for the American Cancer Society (ACS) says one reason obesity may raise cancer risk is because fat cells produce a form of estrogen called estradiol that promotes rapid division of cells, increasing chances of a random genetic error while cells are replicating, which can lead to cancer. In addition, fat centered around the abdomen may increase insulin and insulin-like growth factors in the blood, which may increase cancer risk.

“Women who are obese after menopause have a 50% higher relative risk of breast cancer,” notes Thun, “and obese men have a 40% higher relative risk of colon cancer…. Gallbladder and endometrial cancer risks are five times higher for obese individuals”.There is evidence that cancer rates in developed countries are increasing at 5 to 15 times faster than developing countries. A major contributor to this alarming reality has proven to be diet. In populations where the diet consists mostly of fresh fruit and vegetables and whole grains – in contrast to the typical Western diet of fatty meats, refined flours, oils and sugars – the risk of cancer is much lower.

The interaction of diet and the development of cancer is an active field of research and Dr David Heber, M.D., Ph.D. and author of “What Color is Your Diet”, says “It appears that diet has its most significant effects after the cancer has already formed, acting to inhibit or stimulate the growth of that cancer”. At the risk of oversimplifying a complex set of interactions, the typical Western diet that leads to obesity may actually act to stimulate the growth of cancer cells.It is never too late to improve your health through healthful eating and adopting a more health-giving lifestyle. Here are simple steps to follow which can make an immediate improvement to your health and vitality.

1. Check your Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine if weight has become health risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 60% of Americans are overweight, defined as having a BMI (a ratio of height to weight) over 25. Of those, nearly half (27%) qualify as obese, with a body mass index of 30 or more. In 1980, just 15% of Americans were considered obese. You can check your BMI at the website below.

2. Match your diet to your body’s requirements. If you eat and drink more calories than your body requires you will put on weight. Learn to control calories and portion sizes, make recipes leaner, and eat infrequently from fast food restaurants. Also learn how to snack with healthful choices.

3. Color your diet with a large variety of colorful, cancer-fighting fruit and vegetables. There are seven different color ranges of both fruit and vegetables and by choosing between 5 to 9 daily serves from a wide range of fruit and vegetables, we are extending our consumption of cancer (and other disease) fighting nutrients.

4. Eat lean protein with every meal. Protein provides a powerful signal to the brain providing a longer sense of fullness. The right source of protein is essential to controlling your hunger with fewer calories and necessary to maintain your lean muscle mass. Choices of protein should be flavored soy shakes with fruit; the white meat of chicken and turkey, seafood such as shrimps, prawns scallops and lobster and ocean fish or vegetarians may prefer soy based meat substitutes.

5. Rev up your metabolism with activity. If you want to enjoy a lifetime of well-being, exercise is a key ingredient. Colleen Doyle, MS, RD, director of nutrition and physical activity for the American Cancer Society (ACS), says adults should do something for 30 minutes each day that takes as much effort as a brisk walk. Children should be active for an hour each day. We are more likely to develop habits around things we enjoy, so seek activities which you enjoy doing. It is also helpful to build physical activity into your daily routine: use the stairs instead of the escalator or lift at work, park your car in the parking bay furthest from the super marketing and don’t use the remote control to change TV channels.

6. Get support to ensure you develop a healthful eating plan and reach your goal weight. Whilst a small percentage of people possess the discipline to lose weight, many obese people have developed strong thoughts and habits concerning the food they eat. In order to establish new habits, most people respond well to some form of consistent encouragement and coaching. A study, “Effects of Internet Behavioral Counseling on Weight Loss in Adults at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes” shows that participants who had the support of weight loss coaching lost more weight than those who didn’t. The study concluded that the support of a weight loss coach can significantly improve weight loss results.

Being overweight or obese has been identified next to smoking, as the most preventable major risk to developing cancer. Even small weight losses have been shown to have beneficial health effects. So it’s never to late to start and you can never be too young or too old to be concerned about your health and do something about achieving a more healthy weight.

By Mohamed Awny

This article is Copyright 2005 by http://www.organicgreens.us and Loring Windblad.

Steps to Check for Breast Cancer

Detecting breast cancer early on is very important. It is important that you have regular mammograms and have you doctor to check your breasts for lumps. You can check your own breast each month with self exams. If you do these things it will give you a good chance to find cancer in its earliest stage. When breast cancer is detected early the treatment is much more effective and easier on the patient. It is a good possibility that if breast cancer is found early that it may be cured. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early on. It can detect lumps up to two years before the lump in your breast can be felt by you. A mammogram is an x-ray of your breast that uses a small amount of radiation. These types of x-rays are very good at detecting if you have breast cancer.

A mammogram is done by putting pressure on your breast with an x-ray machine. Pressure is needed in order to spread your breast out as much as possible to take a better x-ray. It usually takes a couple of minutes to do this. The whole process takes just a few minutes time. When feeling pressure from the mammogram it can sometimes be an uncomfortable feeling, but it is only for a short time before it is over. Mammograms should be given to women over the age of forty at least every two years. If breast cancer runs in your family and your risk is higher you may want to get one every year.

You should start checking your breast for lumps at a young age starting in your late teens and early twenties. Your doctor can tell you about when you should start checking your breast for lumps. It is a good time to check your breasts right after your period is over so that your breast are less tender to the touch. You should check your breast in front of a mirror to see if there is any irregular look to your breast. Then lie down and feel your breast with your fingers in a circular motion and do this all around your breast. When you are through check your nipple for any discharge. You should also check around your collarbone and the armpit area. If there are any irregular changes to your breast of any kind see your doctor right away.

Williams has been writing articles online for nearly 4 years now. Not only does this author specialize in Breast Cancer, you can also check out his latest website on Causes of Cervical Cancer and cervical cancer stages.

by William Whiddon

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Breast Cancer Surgery: Lumpectomy, Mastectomy

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Breast Cancer Prevention Tips

It is true that your body has the propensity towards dreaded diseases like cancer through genetic make up. But it is also true that environmental factors act upon it and make you more vulnerable for the disease. Breast cancer patients are no exception. You can take certain actions to reduce the chance of getting breast cancer. These preventive measures are definitely easy to take to avoid the dreaded consequences later. Especially the modifiable risk factors can certainly be avoided, though the non modifiable factors like genetic make up cannot be avoided.

The women’s health and fitness after forty can take dramatic turns if she is not vigilant about her body. Instead those women who are keen to pursue normal health undergo proper screening tests after forty, thus reducing their risk of late cancer detection by large percentage. Let’s see some of the preventive factors that you can exercise easily:

(1)    Limit alcohol: Yes, excess alcohol puts you in high risk category for acquiring breast cancer. Limiting alcohol to less than 1 drink daily and total abstinence can do marvelous job to prevent breast cancer.

(2)    Don’t be overweight: Well, women with excess weight especially after menopause are victims of breast cancer. There may be some connection between production of estrogen in fatty tissue and breast cancer. Try to embark on diet and exercise regimen along with some good healthy supplement like acai berry weight loss supplement to be within healthy weight limits.

(3)    It is observed that breast cancer is more likely in women with sedentary habits. No doubt it adds to weight also. Therefore, have good exercise at least 30 minutes a day and stay away from harmful effects of breast cancer.

(4)    Fat consumption: there has been definitive evidence that states the link between fat intake and breast cancer. It is seen that invasive cancers are rare in women who eat less fat. Those who consume less than 35% of fat of their daily caloric intake are at low risk of developing breast cancer.

(5)    Avoid hormone replacement therapy for long term: It is seen that short term hormone therapy during menopause does not exert much of negative influence on your body. But if it is continued for long period, you run a risk of developing breast cancer. Try to manage your menopausal blues by other options and try limiting your hormone therapy for shorted period of time by consulting your doctor.

(6)    Avoid overuse of antibiotics: when the antibiotics were used for longer duration, there was high risk of developing breast cancer according to many studies. Therefore, do not consume them without specific need and doctor’s advice.

(7)    Limit exposure to pesticides: There has been found a link between excessive pesticide exposure, excess pesticide residue in breast tissue, and development of breast cancer. Though exact relation is not known, it is better to take care to avoid long standing pesticide exposure.

(8)    Do mammograms every year once you cross forty years of age. These mammograms help you identify the precancerous stages early and the treatment becomes much easier with great prognosis!

Breast Cancer Symptoms In Men

When women are faced with the diagnosis of breast cancer, they are taken through a whirlwind of seeing doctors and receiving tests aimed at defeating the cancer. Breast Cancer Symptoms In Men They receive a whole pile of information from their radiation oncologist, their medical oncologist, their breast radiologist, and their breast surgeon. All the focus is on eliminating the cancer. Our detection and treatment of cancer has improved over the years and women are living through the diagnosis of breast cancer, but what about after the cancer is gone. What are the options for women who have undergone a mastectomy or women who had a lumpectomy, but now have breast deformity? Many of these women had options for reconstruction performed at the same time as the mastectomy, but the focus was on killing the cancer. So next time you or someone you know has been diagnosed with breast cancer, please take a moment to reflect about the post-cancer needs of the patient. Ask these questions.

1. Is she a candidate for immediate breast reconstruction? (Reconstruction performed at the time of the mastectomy)

Patients with early stages of breast cancer who are not likely to receive radiation therapy are candidates for immediate reconstruction?

2. What are the advantages of immediate breast reconstruction?

Patients have less scarring and better cosmetic outcomes when the reconstruction is performed at the time of mastectomy. In addition, there is a proven psychologic benefit for patients undergoing immediate breast reconstruction?

3. Does immediate reconstruction delay other necessary treatments like chemotherapy?

Although some patients may have wound still to heal, most published studies demonstrate no difference in the time after surgery that chemotherapy is started whether or not patients undergo immediate reconstruction.

4. Does immediate breast reconstruction increase the chance of breast cancer recurrence?

Immediate reconstruction has no difference in local cancer recurrence from mastectomy alone?

5. Does immediate reconstruction decrease survival?

Patients undergoing mastectomy alone when compared to those receiving immediate breast reconstruction have no difference in the overall survival. Therefore, immediate breast reconstruction is oncologically safe and effective.

6. If she needs radiation therapy and is not a candidate for immediate breast reconstruction, are there options that can hep minimize the scarring?

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Traditionally, all of patients requiring radiation were not offered immediate reconstruction. However, this paradigm is shifting and by working with the radiation oncologist we can place temporary tissue expanders to help keep all the original skin of the breast. Then after your radiation therapy is complete, we can replace the expander with your own tissue with or without an implant to complete your reconstruction. This process is called delayed-immediate breast reconstruction and is a mix between immediate and delayed reconstruction so that we can maintain all your original skin and minimize scarring.

7. What are the latest options for breast reconstruction?

The options for breast reconstruction are usually categorized by implant or autologous (using your body’s own tissue) based reconstruction. Implant reconstruction involves the use of a tissue expander (an inflatable implant) to recruit more skin before finally replacing the temporary expander with a silicone or saline implant.

Autologous Reconstruction is most commonly performed from tissue from your abdomen. The deep inferior epigastric artery flap (DIEP Flap) is performed by taking skin and fat from your lower abdomen and preserving ALL the muscle to recreate soft natural breast that will last the test of time. Using microsurgical techniques, your plastic surgeon will recreate the breast gland and shape. In addition, patients benefit from the tummy tuck they receive when the skin and fat from the lower abdomen is removed. Other autologous options include the superficial epigastric artery flaps and flaps taken from the buttocks.

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Breast Cancer Prevention Rose

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Breast Cancer Prevention Rose

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How to Prevent Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer has earned the disrepute of becoming the second-most killing type of all cancers that are found in humans, having lost the race only to lung cancer. About one in every ten women has chances of developing breast cancer if precautions are not taken early on. Despite this alarming number of its victims, it is pathetic to know that there is an absolute lack of information on the disease. It is not that there is no written material available about the disease, but most women are too complacent regarding the problem. It is always the ‘disease that affects the other woman so it doesn’t bother me’ until it is too late to remedy the situation.

Breast cancer is the abnormal growth of cells within the breast. These cells would aggregate like a lump, which would be called as the breast tumor. The tumor can be felt from the outside of the breast even when it is still harmless. At this harmless stage, it is called as a benign tumor. Benign tumors can be surgically operable. If that is done, the risk of the advancement of the breast cancer is very negligible. But if the tumor is allowed to go on, then it would continue to the malignant stage. During this stage the cancer would proliferate to such an extent within the surrounding tissues that it would be impossible to remove it completely. When the cancerous cells enter the bloodstream, there is no way out. The result is certain death.

Hence it is important to snuff out the breast cancer while it is still benign, and perhaps that is the only way to keep the cancer at bay once it occurs. But most women do not know that there are various ways to reduce the risk of contracting breast cancers. Since breast cancer can strike just about any woman, it is extremely necessary to pay attention to these methods that can help to prevent the disease. The following are the precautions that women must take to prevent the onset of breast cancer:-

(1) If you are overweight, then seriously work at reducing your weight. Science has proved a direct relation between obesity and breast cancer. At the same time, lean women have a significantly lesser chance of contracting the disease.

(2) Do not introduce any supplements in your body that could change the internal hormonal balance of the body. In women, the two main feminine character deciding hormones are progesterone and estrogen. These hormones maintain the proper balance of the female characteristics, including the shape and the function of the breasts. An alteration in this balance could bring on several female health related diseases, among which breast cancer is just one of them.

(3) Smoking is extremely hazardous in women as it can play havoc with the biological rhythm of the body. Excessive smoking could cause sterility in both the male and the female. But in women, smoking has been found (by statistical analysis) that women who smoke stand at a much higher risk of breast cancer than others. The same can be said about women who consume too much of alcohol.

(4) Walking is considered to be effective in keeping breast cancer away. Walking is a simple exercise, but it can keep the woman’s body fit. Also walking stimulates proper blood circulation in all parts of the body without making the person excessively tired. Apart from walking, other simple exercises like running, jumping, swimming, etc. are also effective.

(5) All women over the age of 40 are at a risk of breast cancer. Hence they should keep their lifestyle healthy. The diet should be kept as natural as possible, and artificial spices and preservatives must be avoided. Elderly women should not lead sedentary lifestyles; they must involve themselves in some kind of physical activity or the other, depending on their lifestyles.

(6) There has been a kind of an association established with high fats and breast cancers. Women whose diet consists of a lot of fats are more susceptible to getting breast cancers than others. For this reason, it is necessary to minimize fats in the diet as much as possible. Instead of high-calorie fats, a low fat diet is preferable. This will also help to keep obesity and cardiovascular problems in check.

Breast cancer prevention is more important than the treatment of the cancer itself, because prevention is always better than cure. The above precautions will greatly reduce the risk of having a cancer, but then they are not sure-shot methods. Medical science has not yet been able to come up with a good explanation as to why some women get breast cancers and some don’t. Hence at the slightest sign of any abnormality with your breasts, it is necessary to seek urgent medical attention. Your vigilance might save your life.

Read more about the Breast Cancer Prevention and other breast care issues at http://www.mysecrethealth.com

Breast Cancer Symptoms Itching

In fact, according to published statistics, every adult woman can actually develop this type of cancer at some point. Breast Cancer Symptoms Itching Not enough women, however, are taking the risk of this cancer seriously. Therefore a breast cancer walk is an ideal way to promote awareness of this insidious disease that affects the lives of numerous women in the United States today.

Risk Factors

A breast cancer walk increases awareness of the risk factors of cancer of the breast. Among these are: a family history of this type of cancer, early onset of menarche or late menopause as well as a personal history of abnormalities of the breast or a breast disease which was diagnosed as benign. Even a high fat diet can contribute to its development. Genetics have long been associated as a possible contributing factor to the disease.

After lung cancer, cancer of the breast is the second most common cause of cancer among women. Therefore it’s beneficial for women to be aware of the causes of this disease, the symptoms and how it can be treated. Management is an important part of cancer awareness.

Breast Cancer Walk

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The breast cancer walk is considered one of the most important awareness programs for this cancer. This 3 day walk is a benefit program that aims to raise funds. This is an important walk that benefits victims of cancer of the breast. Both men and women participate in this 3 day walk that covers 60 miles and involves millions of Americans all over the country. It’s an ideal opportunity for participants to further understand this dangerous disease and help spread the word among their family, friends and associates.

By being a participant in this walk, you can meet plenty of like minded people from all walks of life. You can share your experience and learn how others have coped with the disease. There are countless people along the route who offer food and drinks to all the participants and safety nets make the experience fulfilling and safe for everyone involved. Medical volunteers are on standby to ensure that that anyone who needs medical attention during the walk will get it promptly.

Breast cancer walk is a great idea to spread the awareness of cancer of the breast. It’s also lots of fun involving physical activity that everyone can join in. You’ll be doing your bit for a good cause.

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Breast Cancer Treatment Options: Facing Your Fears And Moving Ahead

After breast cancer diagnosis, time is of the essence to ensure recovery. Digest the news; then start learning, so you’re comfortable with your informed choices for breast cancer treatment.

Building Your Team

Before choosing surgery, you build a breast cancer treatment team. You need surgeons, oncologists, anesthesiologist, and radiologist. If you’re able, you are the leader of this team. You have to live with the choices made.

Breast surgeon – recommends and performs breast surgery such as mastectomy or lumpectomy under general anesthesia, and a sentinel node biopsy.

Oncologist – also recommends which surgical option is best. Recommends chemotherapies and follows treatment.

Anesthesiologist – usually on hospital staff, unless you want to choose your own.

Radiologist – performs the sentinel node biopsy (where 2-3 lymph nodes in the armpit or breast are surgically removed) is also on hospital staff.

Plastic surgeon – performs reconstruction if you want it, during or well after mastectomy.

Radiation oncologist – manages radiation therapy. Wait till after surgery to find.

First Breast Cancer Treatment: Surgery

Lumpectomy – usually recommended when there is a single, small lump. The lump and the margin around it are surgically removed under general anesthesia.

* Advantage: You have a small scar, usually.

* Disadvantages: You undergo radiation therapy afterwards; because radiation can cause lumps, you may have more biopsies in the future.

Mastectomy – removes breast tissue, comprised mainly of fat, under general anesthesia. Surrounding tissues are undisturbed.

* Advantages: You need no further biopsies on that side; you probably avoid radiation therapy if cancer is detected early.

* Disadvantages: You have asymmetry, and this may temporarily affect sex life or self-image. With psychological adjustment or reconstruction, these disadvantages can disappear.

Breast reconstruction – during/after a mastectomy using techniques such as DIEP, where abdominal fat and skin are transferred to the chest, to shape a new breast. This is not cosmetic surgery; it’s part of treatment.

* Advantages: feeling and looking restored; getting a tummy tuck and a breast lift on the other breast.

Breast Cancer Treatment After Surgery

The oncologist considers the information from the various tests. The oncologist stages the cancer, and recommends various breast cancer treatments. The oncologist can refer you to a psychologist or support group to allay anxiety about treatment.

Radiation therapy – usually started after recovery from lumpectomy. It is precisely administered to the breast (and perhaps lymph nodes) in order to kill cancerous cells, while avoiding damage to the rest of the body. Sessions are a few minutes, once a day, 5 days a week, for 6 weeks.

* Short-term side effects: fatigue, breast soreness, redness, swelling.

* Long-term side effects: breast shrinkage, tanning, lumpiness.

Chemotherapy – started after all radiation is complete. Drugs which kill or disable cancer cells are given cyclically, with time off between treatments, for 3 to 6 months. The chemotherapy visit usually is outpatient, lasting 1 to 6 hours. Some drugs are taken orally at home, sometimes as a permanent regime.

* Side effects: hair loss, nausea/vomiting, nerve or muscle pain, infection, weight gain, fatigue, difficulty sleeping.

Hormone Therapy – taken orally at home; both treats and prevents recurrence in some cases.

Exercise, diet and lifestyle changes help recovery significantly.

Survival After Therapy

With 2 million breast cancer survivors in America, breast cancer is beatable. Breast cancer treatment requires internal fortitude to reach recovery. You emerge with relief, gratitude and hope.

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