Breast cancer was once identified as a “classic” cancer among women over fifty and in recent years it has always puzzled me to hear of young women diagnosed with this frightening cancer. It seems to be affecting women younger and younger. It was just over a year ago that I heard about one of Hollywood’s celebrity, Christina Applegate’s diagnosis. WOW, at the prime age of thirty six! Thank God she is free from breast cancer according to the article in the link.
That leaves me to question why are women being diagnosed with breast cancer so much younger and what has caused breast cancer to increase over the years? I don’t know all the answers, but do I like to do my own research…here’s what I’ve discovered…
In 2007, an estimated 40, 460 were expected to die. Don’t be deceived; breast cancer has wreaked havoc on our young not just old. It’s time that we as women “take our breasts into our own hands”. Prevention, self-care, and early detection are key to overcoming this evil cancer. Breast Cancer accounts for more than 1 in 4 cancers among women in the United States–that’s staggering!
Family history and genetics do contribute to the risk, (approximately 5-10%); however, there are several things that we can do to decrease the risks for not just breast cancer, but all cancers. Life style choices do account for 65% of cancer deaths in the U.S.
People perish for a lack of knowledge according to Hosea 4:6. Knowledge is power and with it comes action. We must educate ourselves and be proactive with our own well being. I’ve said it so many times…we as women and moms with hectic schedules are usually the last ones to take care of ourselves; but it’s critical that we make our health a priority.
I know there are days where we can go all day without eating, or stopping for a water break, but lack of proper nutrients and hydration affects our well being more than we think.
There are hosts of resources and organizations dedicated to fighting for your survival, teaching you how to minimize your risks by preventative care methods. Here are some of the risks just in our everyday life.
I discovered that there may be some risks that may increase breast cancer due to heredity, others to lifestyle choices, or environmental factors and I’ve listed a few below.
- Toxic chemicals: Some of the chemicals that we use in our cosmetics or toiletries on a daily basis contains phyhalates, which has been known to cause a cocktail of abnormalities in laboratory animals ranging from reproductive and developmental harm, organ damage, endocrine disruption and cancer.
- Antiperspirant: Aluminum salts is known to mimic the body’s natural hormone-estrogen, known to increase breast cancer risks.
- Diet high in fat.
- Never giving birth or giving birth after age 30.
- Early onset of menstruation (before age 12).
- Late menopause (after age 55).
- Family history of breast cancer, especially for mothers, daughters and sisters of women with breast cancer prior to menopause.
- Milk from cows treated with hormones.
After researching this topic, the question is… what can I do to help decrease breast cancer risks in my own life? We don’t have a history in of breast cancer in our family, but according to some of the other contributions to this horrible cancer, I want to be educated and then be proactive.
Not only is prevention and self care key…such as doing a self breast exam five days after menstruation. I read that your breasts are less swollen at this time. If you are after menopause years, a self breast exam should be done at the same time each month (soapy hands in the shower will help to detect if something is abnormal better).
I also noticed that diet and nutrition plays a huge role in prevention. Check out some of the benefits to foods that we may be deficient in that can help boost our health and decrease our chances for breast cancer:
- Flaxseed: The hulls of flaxseed contain lignans, which are rich in phytoestrogens and reduce excess estrogen from binding to receptor sites in breast tissue.
- Fiber: Fiber is one of the most powerful weapons to fight cancer; there is evidence that fiber will improve overall health because it moves wastes through your digestive track faster. We believe the best fiber supplement for women is one that contains large amounts of flaxseed and beta glucans from soluble oat bran fiber. Those two ingredients are excellent for promoting breast health, hormonal health and blood sugar.
- Broccoli and other Cruciferous Vegetables: In the article “Broccoli Compound Helps Stop Breast Cancer Cell Growth?” It states, “Sulforaphane, a plant compound found in broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, cabbage, kale, collard greens, and other cruciferous vegetables, has been shown to stop the growth of human breast cancer cells in a study conducted at the University of Illinois. In this study, cancerous mammary cells were exposed to increasing doses of sulforaphane over a 48 hour period. Within hours, cell division was blocked. Sulforaphane has been shown to affect breast cancer promotion and progression. The preventative properties in previous studies has also been known for inhibiting cancer initiation
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps protect against colorectal, breast, and ovarian cancers. Researcher Cedric Garland, of University of California suggests that several thousand premature deaths each year from colon, breast, and ovarian cancers are a result of Vitamin D deficiency. Get out and get some healthy dose of sunshine, even in the winter time if you live in northern parts of the countries.
I’ve listed the resources from my research below and hope that with all the resources available to us today, that we can tackle this deadly cancer that is trying to afflict on many women young and old, robbing them of a long satisfying life that God destined for them to have. It’s time women…let’s take our breasts into our own hands!
To learn more about prevention, please also visit Be Bright Pink (a proactive, non-profit organization that is empowering young women to take control of their health).
Resources: I’ve been reading and researching this topic for years, but below is a few of the resources I read. With the internet so readily available, you can find several more links on this topic.
*Biblical Health Institute: Women’s Weekend of Wellness (program guide); October 5-7, 2007; Atlanta, Georgia, Pancheta Wilson, M.D.
*Cancer.org
*Healthy World
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