Breast Health

​October is the month set aside for Breast Cancer Awareness.  I have often struggled in my career with this topic.  One thing in particular that has stood out to me is the large amounts of money that are collected that go toward research on breast cancer and cures.  Don't get me wrong this is a good thing however, I personally have never donated to the "reactionary action" for this reason.  I choose and have chosen to put my money in prevention and knowledge.  The World Health Organization (WHO) says 70% of cancers are preventable with changes in lifestyle and diet. There are many ways to do this. ​

Through education and prevention we can cut the risks and fall into what the WHO is talking about, prevention.
 
Before I get to some options that I do to be in prevention mode, let talk about a few things first.

1. Know your family history
2. Know the risk factors
3. Make healthy choices
4. Available tests and genetic testing
5. Know Terminology (not a comprehensive list)
6. Become aware of what additional risks and preventative options there are before an issue arises
7. Ask the hard questions
8. Ask the right questions
9. Include your partner, their feelings matter to them and you
10. Do you have insurance and/or disability to cover any cancer treatment and time off from work?

Too often I hear of women (mostly) who find themselves facing a cancer diagnosis and trying to scramble for information.  This in my opinion is NOT the time to be educating oneself in various types of options, modalities or treatments.  The best time is before any issue arises.   

If you find yourself suspecting breast cancer

1. Stop, breathe, and tell yourself it will be ok. Feel your emotions, write them down.
2. Know your options
3. Know what tests are available and all possible side effects
4. Gather your team
5. Make changes slowly

Additional detailed information of each of the numbered items can be found here. Get more Info!

Some Facts:  

• The risk for breast cancer has nearly tripled since 1940.  Now, one in seven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.
• White women are most likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer, black women are more likely to die from it.
• Less than 10% of breast cancers are hereditary.
• 60% of people with breast cancer do not have any of the “known” personal risk factors. Known risk factors, like late menopause, having children late in life, and family history are present in only 40% of breast cancer cases.
• Federal breast cancer research has increased dramatically in the last ten years, but less than 3% of those funds have gone into investigating the environmental links to breast cancer.
• We are exposed to at least 125 different chemicals on a daily basis and your breasts may contain up to 200 toxic chemicals. Some of these chemicals are known carcinogens, or can harm the reproductive system.

 
Now that we got all that out of the way let's talk Prevention!
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• Avoid fragrance on product labels as these can masks many of the carcinogens and chemical that disrupt hormones
• Use toxin/toxic-free (crayons, bath products, face paint etc.)
• Buy organic (see the list on our site)
• Remove polyurethane furniture and other harmful chemicals
• Limit processed and red meat
• Avoid unnecessary radiation
• Limit and remove plastics (unless BPA free)
• Avoid pesticides and other toxic chemicals

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Schedule your free 5 minute phone call to find out more information about this week’s topic or which prevention protocol is best for you.  You may also find some options here.

Some great resources are apps such as Think Dirty, Healthy Living and Good Guide to check the safety of products.  

*Genetic testing is not for everyone: "Nearly 10% of breast and ovarian cancers develop as a direct consequence of an inherited flaw in the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. The protein products of these genes suppress the development of cancer, in part by repairing damage in other genes. Choosing to be tested for breast and ovarian cancer risk is a complicated task, however. It takes into account concerns about insurance liability, family dynamics, and an individual's psychological needs. From the limited research, evidence suggests that for individuals in high-risk families it is more beneficial to know than not to know one's genetic status. Education and counseling may improve public perception about genetic testing for breast cancer." (PubMed)

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