Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in the United States. Breast cancer will develop in approximately one in eight women during their lifetime. The incidence of this disease has changed very little in recent years.. The disease usually has changed very little in recent years. The disease usually occurs in women, but men can have breast cancer too.
Only about 47% of breast cancers that occur in the United States can be attributed to established risk factors. Although animal studies indicate that environmental contaminants can cause breast tumors to develop. Clear links between environmental exposures (other than ionizing radiation) and human breast cancer have not been established.
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES
Exposure to chemicals such as poly aromatic hydrocarbons, benzene, organic solvents and secondhand smoke have been suspected in causing breast cancer, but the evidence is weak and more research is need. Many chemicals that contribute to breast cancer can be contributed to other cancers as well.
Pesticides and industrial products in food packaging and consumer products concern researchers because of their pervasive presence in the environment, ability to be absorbed by fat, and potential to act as endocrine disruptors. An endocrine disruptor is a synthetic chemical that when absorbed into the body either mimics or blocks hormones and disrupts the body’s normal function. Research continues into the link between these chemicals and breast cancer.
It is important to understand that most breast lumps are benign and not cancer (malignant). Non-cancerous breast tumors are abnormal growths, but they do not spread outside of the breast. They are not life threatening, but some types of benign breast lumps can increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. Any breast lump or change needs to be checked by a health care professional to determine if it is benign or malignant (cancer) and if it might affect your future cancer risk.
Most breast cancers begin in the ducts that carry milk to the nipple (ductal cancers).
Some start in the glands that make breast milk (lobular cancers)
There are also other types of breast cancer that are less common like phyllodes tumor and angiosarcoma
A small number of cancers start in other tissues in the breast. These cancers are called sarcomas and lymphomas and are not really thought of as breast cancers.
Although many types of breast cancer can cause a lump in the breast, not all do. Many breast cancers are also found on screening mammograms, which can detect cancers at an earlier stage. Not all mammograms can verify the actual suspected growth as being a cancerous tumor. Ultrasound is a follow-up test to determine if the actual growth is a cancerous growth.
Many factors contribute to the development of breast cancers. Nutrition is a critical part in health improvements.
Exercise has been proven to be one of the best medicines for not only preventing cancer but also managing symptoms.
Exercise can actually reduce one’s risk for cancer by first helping individuals maintain a healthy weight and body composition, or the muscle to fat ratio. It has been shown to reduce sex hormones associate with cancer development, regulate blood glucose by reducing insulin production and support proper digestion. In addition, recent studies show physical activity reduces inflammation, which, according to the National Cancer Institute, can cause DNA damage over time and potentially result in cancer.
The American College of Sports Medicine recommends 150-300 minutes per week of moderate activity or 75-150 minutes a week of vigorous exercise to prevent the seven most common types of cancer. Which include bladder cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, endometrial cancer, esophageal cancer, kidney cancer, and stomach cancer.
ACSM also specifies more detailed exercise recommendations in managing cancer symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, depression and physical function, “When it comes to managing cancer symptoms and treatment side effects, individuals are advised to perform 30-60 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity along with full-body strength training two to three times per week,” explains Mary Edwards, MS at Cooper Fitness Center in Dallas, Texas.
MAINTAINING WEIGHT AND NUTRITION
Maintaining your weight is critical to cancer prevention. As well as to your over all health. When it comes to your weight, what matters is the amount of body fat you are carrying around and where.
It used to be known that fat cells were just for storing energy says Erma Levy, clinical dietician in MD Anderson Cancer Center. “But fat cells are actually metabolically active. That means they produce hormones and other chemicals that affect our body’s immune system and its ability to fight off disease.” Erma Levy said.
There is an article on body fat on my website https://www.hormoneshealthandfitness.com. Body fat is the only weight we should be losing. Standing on the scale weighs your whole body and everything in it.
It has been know for a very long time that eating right includes filling your plate with fruits and non-starchy vegetables to get the vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that help protect you from diseases like cancer. The fiber will help you feel full and avoid weight issues.
Limit starchy vegetables like potatoes, corn and green peas, which can raise blood sugar levels and trigger the storage of fat cells. If you are going to eat these foods, choose colorful starches like sweet potatoes or yellow corn.
Avoid processed grains like crackers, chips, cookies and breakfast cereals. They tend to be stripped of fiber. Instead, choose fiber packed whole grains like brown rice, quinoa and buckwheat.
MANAGING STRESS
As Kenneth H. Cooper, MD. MPH at the Cooper Clinic says “It’s not stress that kills, it’s the way you manage it.” Sometimes, a little stress might be just what you need to push you through a tough project or presentation or a chore you’ve been dreading. But constant stress can become wearing, both emotionally and physically. After time, chronic stress starts to chip away at your health, making your body more susceptible to cancer.
I teach a meditative drawing class once a week. When you practice any form of meditation the results are highly beneficial to our health.
Other ways to reduce breast cancer (and most cancers) are:
Limit alcohol. Limit to one drink a day or not every day.
Don’t smoke. Evidence suggests a link between smoking and breast cancer risk, particularly in premenopausal women.
Control your weight. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancers. This is especially true to obesity occurs later in life, particularly after menopause.
Be physically active. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, which helps prevent breast cancer. Most healthy adults should aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity weekly, plus strength training at least twice a week.
Avoid exposure to radiation and environmental pollution.
Be vigilant about breast cancer detection. if you notice any changes in your breast, such as a new lump or skin changes, consult your doctor. Also, ask your doctor when to begin mammograms and other screenings based on your person history.
