October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is important to recognize that there are several risks factors besides having a family member who has had breast cancer. Many people believe that they are risk-free if there is no cancer in their family or because their mom/aunt/sister has never had breast cancer. Unfortunately, this is just not true.
Risk factors are often categorized into those that one cannot change and those that are modifiable.
Starting with family history, you cannot change the genes you were born with. There are certain genes that families carry, such as the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation, which increases your chances.
There are other genes that can play a role too, which is why having a first degree female relative with breast cancer also increases your risk.
You cannot change your age or your gender. Incidentally, just being a woman and having breasts puts you at risk. As a matter of fact, gender is the number one risk factor – not family history. Age is also important as the older a woman gets, the more her chances increase which makes the modifiable factors that much more important to attend to.
You cannot change your exposure history – especially to the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) that was taken by mothers in the 1940s through the 1960s to prevent miscarriage. The daughters, granddaughters and potentially even great-granddaughters born with DES exposure have an increased risk of breast cancer. Ask your mom and grandma if there is a history of DES in your direct lineage.
You cannot change the day you start your period nor can you really predict when you will go through menopause completely. Both are important risk factors. The earlier you start your period (before 12 years old) and the later you go through menopause (55 years old and later) the more cycles of hormones your breasts are exposed to, which can affect cancer.
What do you have control over when it comes to breast cancer?
You can control when and if you have children. Not having kids or having them after 30 years old will slightly increase your risk because your breasts are exposed to that many more cycles of hormones. You can also choose to breastfeed, which has been shown in some studies to be breast-protective.
You can control your diet and exercise patterns. Alcohol and obesity have been shown to slightly increase breast cancer risk, while regular exercise and a healthy body weight have been shown to decrease the risk. Choosing fruits, vegetables, healthy oils and fiber of course are helpful for a number of reasons, not just breast cancer. Eliminating sodas, fried food, trans-fats, simple carbohydrates and sugar will also benefit your health overall.
You can control your Vitamin D3 intake (get testing first) as there is some good research that Vitamin D is protective and can lower breast cancer risk.
You can also choose what chemicals you put on your body and use in your house. While the research is guarded, it cannot hurt to use healthy body, hair, skin and make-up products for you and your family. It may be beneficial to make a conscious effort to read labels when it comes to pesticides, cleaning sprays, detergent, and odor eliminators. Also remember to be wary of plastics and do not heat up food in a plastic container as it could release phalates into your food.
It is your decision to use hormones –whether in the form of the pill, patch, ring or during menopause. Be aware of the risks involved, do your research and talk with your doctor about your options.
Do not let the risk factors you cannot change overwhelm or depress you. The modifiable factors are so important to your health overall, not just for breast cancer therefore it is important you take a positive and active approach.
Read the article here, on the women's health website, Empowher!
References
1) Breast Cancer. Web. 20 October, 2012.
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-risk
2) Breast Cancer. Web. 20 October, 2012.
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/risk_factors.htm
3) Use of Vitamin D in Various Disorders. Web. 20 October, 2012.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22956345
Showing posts with label breast cancer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label breast cancer. Show all posts
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
5 Ways to Boost Breast Health Naturally
October is known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Along with awareness, it is important to also focus on prevention.
The breast tissue is made up of fat, connective tissue, and tubes that respond to different hormones produced in the body. Some women notice that their breasts swell before their period or that they may be more sensitive throughout the month which is often a direct result of these hormones. When someone is diagnosed with breast cancer, it may or may not be hormone receptor positive, meaning the cancer may or may not respond to hormone blocking medications. However there are some natural ingredients that may prove beneficial overall for the tissue.
First, eat more broccoli, particularly broccoli sprouts. Research shows that a constituent in there called sulforaphane helps the liver excrete excess estrogen and may have an impact on cancer cells. It may also improve survival in breast cancer patients. Broccoli sprouts are easily mixed into salads, coleslaw, a stir fry, the morning smoothie and more. Add them into your diet daily for better health.
Second, drink more green tea or consider green tea capsules full of the active ingredient EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate). Green tea is a powerful antioxidant and in some studies, has been shown to be protective against breast cancer. Unfortunately, the jury is still out when it comes to human trials. However having a cup, two or three of green tea per day (even decaffeinated) is not going to hurt and may end up being protective. Supplements typically start at 500mg and can be bought as decaffeinated.
Third, add the spice turmeric to your foods and consider taking it as a supplement in the form of curcumin. Make sure to buy organic. Even in 2002, curcumin was recognized as a powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and potential anti-cancer ingredient. The spice is not generally considered potent enough in its regular use however it is a start towards prevention. Supplements typically start at 500mg but purity is important.
Fourth, get vitamin D testing as adequate levels are important. A potent steroid hormone, Vitamin D has been shown beneficial for both prevention and for treatment as adjunctive care. Sufficient levels start at 32 ng/mL however many in the healthcare field aim for levels between 50 and 100 ng/mL.
Fifth, eat foods rich in apigenin such as parsley, basil, artichoke and celery. This powerful bioflavonoid is showing a lot of promise to both prevent and treat breast cancer cells. Mix a handful of parsley and celery with your broccoli sprouts in a smoothie or a stir fry. Steam up an artichoke or regularly use artichoke hearts in salads. Be sure to add plenty of basil to the turmeric curry.
The best practices to hopefully avoid breast cancer are to regularly work on breast prevention. These suggestions are not magic pills nor are they guaranteed. However they are foods easily incorporated into daily life and given the research surrounding them, are worth it.
Click here to read the article on the women's health website, Empowher.
References:
1. Specific Plants Protect Against Specific, Not All, Cancers. Web. 13 October, 2012.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/769983
2. Cruciferous Veggies Boost Survival in Breast Cancer Patients. Web. 13, October, 2012.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/761792
3. Green Tea Drinking and Subsequent Risk of Breast Cancer in a Population to Based Cohort of Japanese Women. Web. 13 October, 2012.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/733795
4. Use of Nutritional Therapies During Cancer Treatment: Benefits From Dietary Supplements. Web. 13 October, 2012.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/438531_7
5. Vitamin D May Help Breast Cancer Survivors Stay on Track. Web. 13 October, 2012.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/766273
6. Vitamin D Insufficiency Linked to Aggressive Breast Tumors. Web. 13 October, 2012.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/742303
7. Apigenin induces apoptosis via extrinsic pathway, inducing p53 and inhibiting STAT3 and NFκB signaling in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells. Web. 13 October, 2012.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22527937
8. Apigenin blocks induction of vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA and protein in progestin-treated human breast cancer cells.
Web. 13 October, 2012.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20551847
The breast tissue is made up of fat, connective tissue, and tubes that respond to different hormones produced in the body. Some women notice that their breasts swell before their period or that they may be more sensitive throughout the month which is often a direct result of these hormones. When someone is diagnosed with breast cancer, it may or may not be hormone receptor positive, meaning the cancer may or may not respond to hormone blocking medications. However there are some natural ingredients that may prove beneficial overall for the tissue.
First, eat more broccoli, particularly broccoli sprouts. Research shows that a constituent in there called sulforaphane helps the liver excrete excess estrogen and may have an impact on cancer cells. It may also improve survival in breast cancer patients. Broccoli sprouts are easily mixed into salads, coleslaw, a stir fry, the morning smoothie and more. Add them into your diet daily for better health.
Second, drink more green tea or consider green tea capsules full of the active ingredient EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate). Green tea is a powerful antioxidant and in some studies, has been shown to be protective against breast cancer. Unfortunately, the jury is still out when it comes to human trials. However having a cup, two or three of green tea per day (even decaffeinated) is not going to hurt and may end up being protective. Supplements typically start at 500mg and can be bought as decaffeinated.
Third, add the spice turmeric to your foods and consider taking it as a supplement in the form of curcumin. Make sure to buy organic. Even in 2002, curcumin was recognized as a powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and potential anti-cancer ingredient. The spice is not generally considered potent enough in its regular use however it is a start towards prevention. Supplements typically start at 500mg but purity is important.
Fourth, get vitamin D testing as adequate levels are important. A potent steroid hormone, Vitamin D has been shown beneficial for both prevention and for treatment as adjunctive care. Sufficient levels start at 32 ng/mL however many in the healthcare field aim for levels between 50 and 100 ng/mL.
Fifth, eat foods rich in apigenin such as parsley, basil, artichoke and celery. This powerful bioflavonoid is showing a lot of promise to both prevent and treat breast cancer cells. Mix a handful of parsley and celery with your broccoli sprouts in a smoothie or a stir fry. Steam up an artichoke or regularly use artichoke hearts in salads. Be sure to add plenty of basil to the turmeric curry.
The best practices to hopefully avoid breast cancer are to regularly work on breast prevention. These suggestions are not magic pills nor are they guaranteed. However they are foods easily incorporated into daily life and given the research surrounding them, are worth it.
Click here to read the article on the women's health website, Empowher.
References:
1. Specific Plants Protect Against Specific, Not All, Cancers. Web. 13 October, 2012.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/769983
2. Cruciferous Veggies Boost Survival in Breast Cancer Patients. Web. 13, October, 2012.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/761792
3. Green Tea Drinking and Subsequent Risk of Breast Cancer in a Population to Based Cohort of Japanese Women. Web. 13 October, 2012.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/733795
4. Use of Nutritional Therapies During Cancer Treatment: Benefits From Dietary Supplements. Web. 13 October, 2012.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/438531_7
5. Vitamin D May Help Breast Cancer Survivors Stay on Track. Web. 13 October, 2012.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/766273
6. Vitamin D Insufficiency Linked to Aggressive Breast Tumors. Web. 13 October, 2012.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/742303
7. Apigenin induces apoptosis via extrinsic pathway, inducing p53 and inhibiting STAT3 and NFκB signaling in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells. Web. 13 October, 2012.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22527937
8. Apigenin blocks induction of vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA and protein in progestin-treated human breast cancer cells.
Web. 13 October, 2012.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20551847
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Breast Cancer Awareness and Dense Breasts
As October is known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is time to get acquainted with your breasts. Many women have been told that they have "dense" breasts but they are not entirely sure what that means. As breasts are often full of tissue, adipose, and tubes, it can be difficult to ascertain what is considered normal and when a lump is abnormal.
Doing a breast self-exam has been the subject of controversy as some experts believe it is not useful and do not recommend them. Yet many people know someone close to home who found a lump on their own that turned out to be cancer.
Doing a breast self-exam takes practice and requires doing it regularly at the same time every month to detect normal lumps and bumps from concerning or new ones.
It is not recommended that the exam be done before a menstrual cycle as typically breasts are more enlarged, cystic and tender which can be misleading for some. It is better to do the exam the week after the period has started.
Dense breasts are exactly that. They are denser because they contain less fat and more glandular and connective tissue, making it difficult to see through them on imaging. This means on a routine mammogram, a woman with denser breasts has a slightly increased risk of having a lump missed simply because the technology cannot see through them. As a result, imaging centers may do additional screening with a breast ultrasound in order to be thorough.
Treatments for dense breasts are limited. It's always a good idea, though, to eat a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, good oils and fiber. Research is still ongoing. However, anecdotally, high amounts of caffeine have been linked to denser breasts therefore reducing or eliminating might help. This includes caffeine in coffee, soda and chocolate. Natural therapies associated with good breast health include evening primrose oil (at 1000-3000mg per day) and natural Vitamin E (at 200-400IU of mixed tocopherols per day). Before you schedule your mammogram, have a breast exam done by your health care provider first. This way if anything suspicious is found, an ultrasound can be ordered as well.
Remember that breast tissue can extend along the sides of your ribcage and up into your armpit so be thorough when examining yourself. Start now. After all, it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
For a detailed description of breast self-examination see: http://www.whcenter.org/body.cfm?id=363
Article originally posted on: http://www.empowher.com/breast-cancer/content/breast-cancer-awareness-month-and-dense-breasts
References:
1. ASBS 2009: Breast Self-Exam as Accurate as Mammography, MRI in High-Risk Women. Web. 30 September, 2012.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/701881
2. FDA Approves First Ultrasound Tool for Dense Breasts. Web. 30 September, 2012.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/771147
3. Having Dense Breasts. Web. 30 September, 2012.
http://www.breastcancer.org/risk/factors/dense_breasts.jsp
4. Women's Health Series: Herbs of Special Interest to Women. Web. 30 September, 2012.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/406683
Doing a breast self-exam has been the subject of controversy as some experts believe it is not useful and do not recommend them. Yet many people know someone close to home who found a lump on their own that turned out to be cancer.
Doing a breast self-exam takes practice and requires doing it regularly at the same time every month to detect normal lumps and bumps from concerning or new ones.
It is not recommended that the exam be done before a menstrual cycle as typically breasts are more enlarged, cystic and tender which can be misleading for some. It is better to do the exam the week after the period has started.
Dense breasts are exactly that. They are denser because they contain less fat and more glandular and connective tissue, making it difficult to see through them on imaging. This means on a routine mammogram, a woman with denser breasts has a slightly increased risk of having a lump missed simply because the technology cannot see through them. As a result, imaging centers may do additional screening with a breast ultrasound in order to be thorough.
Treatments for dense breasts are limited. It's always a good idea, though, to eat a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, good oils and fiber. Research is still ongoing. However, anecdotally, high amounts of caffeine have been linked to denser breasts therefore reducing or eliminating might help. This includes caffeine in coffee, soda and chocolate. Natural therapies associated with good breast health include evening primrose oil (at 1000-3000mg per day) and natural Vitamin E (at 200-400IU of mixed tocopherols per day). Before you schedule your mammogram, have a breast exam done by your health care provider first. This way if anything suspicious is found, an ultrasound can be ordered as well.
Remember that breast tissue can extend along the sides of your ribcage and up into your armpit so be thorough when examining yourself. Start now. After all, it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
For a detailed description of breast self-examination see: http://www.whcenter.org/body.cfm?id=363
Article originally posted on: http://www.empowher.com/breast-cancer/content/breast-cancer-awareness-month-and-dense-breasts
References:
1. ASBS 2009: Breast Self-Exam as Accurate as Mammography, MRI in High-Risk Women. Web. 30 September, 2012.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/701881
2. FDA Approves First Ultrasound Tool for Dense Breasts. Web. 30 September, 2012.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/771147
3. Having Dense Breasts. Web. 30 September, 2012.
http://www.breastcancer.org/risk/factors/dense_breasts.jsp
4. Women's Health Series: Herbs of Special Interest to Women. Web. 30 September, 2012.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/406683
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
What Increases Your Risk of Breast Cancer?
Did you know that the majority of women with breast cancer have no known risk other than being a female? Did you know there are women with multiple risk factors who never develop breast cancer? As a Naturopathic Physician, it’s my job to educate you on your risks so you can lower them and help protect yourself.
First and foremost, being an aging woman increases your risk of developing breast cancer (but I still wouldn’t trade it for anything! Women are awesome!).
Second, if you have had breast cancer before then your risk greatly increases.
Having a first degree relative such as your mother, daughter, or sister moderately increases your risk. The further away in your family tree (ie. your aunt, great grandma or cousin) the less risk you have.
Speaking of family trees, if you have the genetic mutation for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, then you are at a very high risk.
Still keeping you at risk but not nearly as high as the above factors includes the following:
Your estrogen exposure – either because you started your periods early in life (before age 12), or ended them later in life (after age 55), or both means that you had more cycles of estrogen in your body. Likewise, exposure to estrogen from the birth control pill or hormone replacement also increases your risk.
The age you had children – having your first child after the age of 30 increases your risk as does never having children.
Your weight affects your risk – carrying extra pounds especially in the abdomen and especially after menopause is a problem on many levels and for many risks besides cancer.
Alcohol consumption – as the new research points out, any more than 2 drinks per week (yes, that’s PER WEEK!) increases your risk of breast cancer.
Prior exposure to radiation – if you have had excess radiation exposure to your chest wall and/or breasts increases your risk.
If you have had a breast biopsy and the results were ‘ductal hyperplasia’ or ‘complex fibroadenoma,’ then you are at a higher risk.
Caucasian women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer however African American women are slightly more likely to die from it.
Bottom line is this, some risks you have absolutely no control over so there is no need to worry about them. You can not inherently change being a woman and you can not change growing older (darn!) but you can change your alcohol consumption, your lifestyle and your weight. You can monitor your breasts by doing exams and seeing your healthcare practitioner if anything comes up.
First and foremost, being an aging woman increases your risk of developing breast cancer (but I still wouldn’t trade it for anything! Women are awesome!).
Second, if you have had breast cancer before then your risk greatly increases.
Having a first degree relative such as your mother, daughter, or sister moderately increases your risk. The further away in your family tree (ie. your aunt, great grandma or cousin) the less risk you have.
Speaking of family trees, if you have the genetic mutation for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, then you are at a very high risk.
Still keeping you at risk but not nearly as high as the above factors includes the following:
Your estrogen exposure – either because you started your periods early in life (before age 12), or ended them later in life (after age 55), or both means that you had more cycles of estrogen in your body. Likewise, exposure to estrogen from the birth control pill or hormone replacement also increases your risk.
The age you had children – having your first child after the age of 30 increases your risk as does never having children.
Your weight affects your risk – carrying extra pounds especially in the abdomen and especially after menopause is a problem on many levels and for many risks besides cancer.
Alcohol consumption – as the new research points out, any more than 2 drinks per week (yes, that’s PER WEEK!) increases your risk of breast cancer.
Prior exposure to radiation – if you have had excess radiation exposure to your chest wall and/or breasts increases your risk.
If you have had a breast biopsy and the results were ‘ductal hyperplasia’ or ‘complex fibroadenoma,’ then you are at a higher risk.
Caucasian women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer however African American women are slightly more likely to die from it.
Bottom line is this, some risks you have absolutely no control over so there is no need to worry about them. You can not inherently change being a woman and you can not change growing older (darn!) but you can change your alcohol consumption, your lifestyle and your weight. You can monitor your breasts by doing exams and seeing your healthcare practitioner if anything comes up.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer: What Is It?
Women know to look for a lump. We do our monthly self-exam and see our healthcare practitioners every year for our check-up. No lump = no cancer, right? Not necessarily.
Inflammatory breast cancer doesn’t have to have a lump. In fact, it can start out with redness of the skin. It may cause your breast to enlarge or swell, be tender, warm to the touch, look like an infection, or look like mastitis as if breast-feeding! The cancer cells plug up the lymphatic vessels in the skin not allowing fluid to drain away which causes the breast to change color and swell.
This is a fairly uncommon cancer although aggressive in nature. It doesn’t improve with antibiotics if you suspected an infection nor does it improve with typical mastitis treatments. Women may suspect they have a rash on their breast and let it go before seeing their healthcare practitioner. Don’t wait! If you have any of these symptoms and they do not improve after treatment then see your doctor! Typical diagnosis is made through mammogram, possibly ultrasound or MRI and biopsy. Because there isn’t a lump, biopsy of the skin is important.
Doing a self-exam every month is just as critical as examining your skin in a mirror to look for any color, texture, or nipple changes. If you find something, have it checked out right away because this is your health we’re talking about!
Inflammatory breast cancer doesn’t have to have a lump. In fact, it can start out with redness of the skin. It may cause your breast to enlarge or swell, be tender, warm to the touch, look like an infection, or look like mastitis as if breast-feeding! The cancer cells plug up the lymphatic vessels in the skin not allowing fluid to drain away which causes the breast to change color and swell.
This is a fairly uncommon cancer although aggressive in nature. It doesn’t improve with antibiotics if you suspected an infection nor does it improve with typical mastitis treatments. Women may suspect they have a rash on their breast and let it go before seeing their healthcare practitioner. Don’t wait! If you have any of these symptoms and they do not improve after treatment then see your doctor! Typical diagnosis is made through mammogram, possibly ultrasound or MRI and biopsy. Because there isn’t a lump, biopsy of the skin is important.
Doing a self-exam every month is just as critical as examining your skin in a mirror to look for any color, texture, or nipple changes. If you find something, have it checked out right away because this is your health we’re talking about!
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