Approximately 288,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed breast cancer this year. So you might wonder if all the pink ribbons, walks/runs and pink-themed products are making a difference? Absolutely they are! In 2010, there were more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. That’s because medical professionals are now able to find tumors earlier, treat them more effectively and reduce the incidence of reoccurrence.
Here is just some of the latest news in the prevention and detection of breast cancer:
… In three to five years, women will have the option for a zero radiation diagnostic test that will offer breast cancer screening 1000 times more sensitive than a mammogram. This technology, which uses magnetic sensors, is currently being tested and has the potential to detect cancers in the breast an estimated 2½ years earlier than a mammogram.
…The evidence that there is an important connection between physical activity and breast health has never been stronger. According to the National Cancer Institute regular exercise lowers the risk of breast cancer in both pre- and post-menopausal women. The why is not certain but it may be that physical activity prevents tumor development by reducing insulin and hormone levels and by improving immune system response.
… A study published in the journal of Nutrition and Cancer found that consuming walnuts slowed both the development and growth of breast cancer tumors in mice. Walnuts contain ingredients shown to slow cancer growth like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and phytosterols. This reinforces previous research that 30 to 60% of all cancers could be prevented with a healthy diet that includes lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts.
… According to Ruthann Rudel, research director at Silent Spring Institute, if we want to figure out what causes breast cancer we need to conduct chemical safety tests that investigate how chemicals affect mammary tissue. Chemicals like atrazine, a pesticide used in agriculture; dioxins, an industrial pollutant found in some fatty foods; bisphenol A (BPA), found in some water bottles and canned foods; polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants, and nonylphenol a breakdown product found in certain laundry detergents. Ms. Rudel is just one of 18 experts pushing for new chemical testing guidelines for safety, human health effects and environmental effects that would require mammary gland assessment.
… And finally, a large-scale Swedish study of 6000 women ages 50 to 74 concluded that women who consumed 5 or more cups of coffee a day had a 33 to 57 percent lower risk of developing aggressive ER-negative breast cancer than women who had less than one cup of coffee a day. Those of you who need to justify your Starbucks addiction should be very happy.
Early detection makes a difference. I know because early detection saved my life. Don't be afraid to make your breast health a priority. Talk to your doctor about what screening strategy is right for you. Until a cure for breast cancer is found, early detection and prompt treatment is the only defense against a disease that takes the life of nearly 40,000 women each year. When you make breast health a priority you make the time to be good to you.
Good Health!
Terry
“No! My boobs aren’t natural. My real ones tried to kill me.”
~Unknown Breast Cancer Survivor
