Lifestyle Modification
There are risk factors that are under your control. The foods you eat and the toxins that you choose to put in your body is an area within your control. The obvious toxins tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption can be eliminated, as they are associated with so many cancers and disease processes in our bodies.
Obesity, a diet high in saturated fats, lack of exercise, and environmental pollutants are also linked to the development of breast cancer. Radiation exposure (in levels much higher than mammography requires for screening) has deleterious effects on normal cellular function. Free radical formation is thought to be at the root of the aforementioned factors and therefore, vitamins, antioxidants, and a healthy lifestyle are certainly an option for those who choose to be proactive.
All women may want to adopt these strategies since they are all, by virtue of being female, at risk. The incidence of breast cancer has increased over the past 25 years from 1 in 15 to 1 in 8. Certainly our lifestyles have been altered during that time period and we have the power to alter them in a positive manor.
Dietary modification
Increase the amount of vegetables consumed
Decrease the saturated fat, including meat and dairy products, as well as trans fatty acids found in processed foods
Choose health fats found in cold-water fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel)
Add flaxseed to your diet
Fiber rich foods such as vegetables, legumes, whole grains and fruits
Several foods in particular have known anti-cancer properties and should be come a part of your regular diet.
- Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower)
- Leafy green vegetables
- Yellow-orange vegetables
- Berries
- Citrus fruits
- Garlic
- Green tea
Omega 6 Fatty Acids (BAD)
Plant sources
Liquid at room temp
Can lower HDL
Seem to contribute to cancer risk
Sunflower oil, corn oil, safflower oil, cottonseed oil
Soybean oil, canola oil
Omega 3 Fatty Acids (GOOD)
Fish oil, flaxseed oil, olive oil
Green, leafy vegetables (wild), nuts
meat of herbivores, wild game (Venison)
Probably the greatest known nutritional deficiency in Western society
Decrease risk of CAD and inflammation
Increase immune function
Alcohol Modification
Alcohol is officially listed as a carcinogen for the development of breast cancer. Your risk is du=irectly related to your level of consumption.
- 6 % increased risk ½ glass wine per day
- 21% increased risk 1-2 glasses per day
- 37% increased risk 3 or more glasses per day
70% of post menopausal breast cancers are estrogen driven
