Defend Yourself Against Breast Cancer

The best defense against breast cancer thus far is early detection: The earlier it's detected, the easier it is to treat. Help protect yourself by having a regular breast exam. These guidelines follow the recommendations of the American Cancer Society.

Instructions

1- Get a mammogram done annually if you are over 40 years of age.

2- Have a clinical breast examination (CBE) done annually by a health care professional if you are over 40 years of age - preferably around the time that you receive your mammogram.

3- Have a CBE done once every three years if you are 20 to 39 years of age.

4- Conduct a breast self-exam monthly if you are over 20 years of age.

5- Cut down on cigarettes - researchers have estimated that nearly 50 percent of women are sensitive to the carcinogens in tobacco, which means an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

6- Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables: They contain antioxidant vitamins and other nutrients that can help in cancer prevention.

7- Eat foods high in phytoestrogen, a chemical found in soy products, flaxseed and whole grains.

8- Reduce alcohol intake, which has been statistically linked to an increase in the risk of breast cancer.

9- Exercise regularly and maintain a normal body weight; both of these factors help in breast cancer prevention.

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You and Bumble Bee Foods Can Help the Breast Cancer Network of Strength

Many companies and organizations have done great work through the years raising awareness as well as money for research for breast cancer; a cancer that undoubtedly plagues countless women and the people who love them every single year. This year Bumble Bee Foods are doing what they can to help women battling breast cancer who can’t wait for a cure.

The Breast Cancer Network of Strength has helped thousands of people find the information they need to make educated and informed decisions through their 24/7 Hotline and YourShoes peer counselors. While they don’t give medical advice, they do help the women battling breast cancer and their families by explaining what they are likely to encounter in their lives due to breast cancer and beyond.

To help the Breast Cancer Network of Strength, Bumble Bee Foods will donate 15 cents up to $200,000 for every mile logged on their website, BeeWell Miles from April 1st to December 31, 2009. The BeeWell Miles program was created to make it easy for people to get active and help those in need of support and information.

With BeeWell Miles, your healthy lifestyle will go a long way. Just log the miles you walk or run in one day on their website and see how much of a difference you have made and can continue to make through the end of the year. BeeWell Miles can also help you and your journey through a healthy lifestyle, giving you the ability to interact with healthy living experts, share your favorite route with others and calculate the route’s mileage. You can also enter the meals you eat every day to see and understand your calorie intake, and you are also able to speak to other people on the path to a healthy lifestyle and who are also helping Bumble Bee Foods and the Breast Cancer Network of Strength.

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Eat Mushrooms to cut breast cancer risk

New research in China has found that eating mushrooms can cut the risk of breast cancer in women by two thirds. The study also showed that women who take mushroom diet with green tea saw an even greater benefit. The cancer risk was reduced by almost 90 percent among this group of women.

Research showed that women having at least a third of an ounce of fresh mushrooms on daily basis cut 65 percent risk of developing a tumour.

“Higher intake of mushrooms decreased cancer risk in both pre- and post-menopausal Chinese women,” The Daily Express quoted researchers, as saying. Result shows that mushrooms work similarly to breast cancer drugs called aromatase inhibitors which block the body’s production of the cancer-feeding hormone oestrogen.

Dr Julie Sharp, Cancer Research UK’s senior science information manager, said, “Both green tea and mushrooms have previously been reported to lower cancer risk”. While this research adds to the evidence, more research is needed to reach conclusion of these observations and find out if they are relevant to UK women as well. “It is important to remember there is no one particular ‘super’ food that will protect you from cancer. Large scientific studies have proven that the best way to reduce your risk of many cancers is to eat a healthy, balanced diet.” Said Dr Sharp.

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Scientists uncover genetic ''hotspot'' for breast cancer risk

London, Scientists at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center have uncovered a new genetic "hotspot" that is linked with breast cancer susceptibility in Asian women.

Dr. Wei Zheng, who led the research team, has revealed that this region is on chromosome 6.

The researcher said that the genetic "locus" might help guide efforts to find the specific genes linked with non-inherited forms of the disease.

Genetics have a major role to play in breast cancer, and scientists have already identified a few of breast cancer susceptibility genes - such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. Mutations in such genes increase risk of inherited forms of breast cancers.

"But the genetic factors identified so far explain only a small percent of all the cases in the general population," Nature magazine quoted Zheng, an Ingram Professor of Cancer Research, professor of Medicine and the director of the Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, as saying.

The genetic factors responsible for the vast majority of cases are unclear, "so there has been a lot of interest to identify additional genetic factors for breast cancer," said Zheng.

For the study, the researchers focussed on a population of Asian women in Shanghai, China, which they had been studying for more than a decade to identify nutritional, environmental and genetic factors associated with disease risk.

By using "genome-wide association," the researchers started searching for genetic variations in Asian women with breast cancer compared to healthy controls.

The investigators analysed more than 600,000 genetic markers - called SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) - for differences between the groups.

From the first group of more than 3,000 women, they selected 29 of the most promising SNPs associated with breast cancer. Then they narrowed down these 29 candidate SNPs to a single SNP that exhibited strong and consistent association with breast cancer.

They also found a similar association in an independent group of American women, indicating that the results might be relevant for other ethnic populations.

"This SNP explains about 18 percent of the (breast cancer) cases in the general population. Compared to other previously identified SNPs, "this one would probably rank as No. 1 or No. 2 in terms of effect size," said Zheng.

If a woman has just one copy of this SNP, her risk of breast cancer increases about 40 percent. With two copies of this SNP, the risk increases about 60 percent.

The SNP lies on chromosome 6 in a part of the genome with no known genes, "upstream" from the gene that encodes the estrogen receptor 1 (ERa).

While ERa is known to influence breast cancer aggressiveness, the impact of this candidate SNP on ERa is unclear.

"At this point, we actually don''t know the function of this SNP we identified," he said.

However, the SNP does appear strongly associated with ER-negative cases of breast cancer, which carry a worse prognosis than ER-positive cases.

Zheng said: "Eventually, we hope that we can use this model to identify high-risk women for chemoprevention or regular cancer screening to reduce their breast cancer mortality."

The study has been published in the journal Nature Genetics. (ANI)

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3 Tips For Preventing Breast Cancer

Breast cancer affects around 45,000 people in the UK each year. No one is sure exactly what causes this condition but it develops when cells in the breast start to multiply in a rapid and uncontrolled way. Although no one knows the exact cause there are number of factors that have been linked with prevention. In this article I will be discussing three tips that could help you prevent this nasty disease.

1) CONSUME LESS ALCOHOL:- A number of studies have suggested that drinking alcohol can increase your chances of getting this type of cancer. Cancer Research UK estimate that around 2,000 of the breast cancer cases reported in the UK each year are caused by alcohol. Multiple studies also suggest that the amount of alcohol consumed directly influences your likelihood of contracting this disease. Therefore, if you drink alcohol you are more at risk than a none drinker and if you are a heavy drinker then you are more at risk than a moderate drinker.

Now I am not suggesting that you completely alter your alcohol intake because there are other factors that influence breast cancer too. However, it could be a good idea to monitor your alcohol consumption for a week and see if there is anywhere you could make some cutbacks. Perhaps, instead of drinking a glass of wine with every evening meal you could alternate and have it every other night. Maybe instead of going for weekly drinks with friends you could go for a meal or to the cinema on alternate weeks. Small changes such as these could help you reduce your overall alcohol consumption.

2) EAT MORE HEALTHY FOODS:- A lot of researchers agree that a healthy diet is a key element of breast cancer prevention. In particular, trans fats have been linked with the development of this type of cancer. On the other hand fruits and vegetables are thought to lower your risk of contracting this disease because they contain cancer protective vitamins and phyto-chemicals.

If your diet contains a lot of processed or man made foods then you really need to cut down as these are normally loaded with trans fat. Also try to make sure you are eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Like with alcohol, you don't have to make significant changes to your diet right away. Instead, try to substitute one of the processed foods in your diet with a piece of fruit or veg every week. Before you know it your overall diet will have improved for the better and this could make the difference between contracting this type of cancer and not.

3) DO MORE EXERCISE:- Exercise is believed to help prevent this type of cancer. A study from Dr Michael Leitzmann that was published in the Journal of Breast Cancer Research [1] suggests that vigorous activity such as running, competitive sports and intense dancing could reduce your risk of contracting this disease. However, less intense exercise did not have the same effect. Therefore, if your current lifestyle is relatively inactive try and do some intense exercise two or three times per week. If you are stuck for ideas jogging, sprinting, skipping and team sports are all good choices.

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK. However, by following the preventative tips discussed in this article you can hopefully avoid it. Reducing your alcohol consumption, improving your diet and becoming more active are positive lifestyle choices that everyone should make. Not only will you be improving your overall health but you could protect yourself from this cancer type of cancer too.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Breast cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

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What You Need to Know About the Breast Cancer

Breast cancer or cancer of the breast is characteristically a lump in the breast. This disease affects both man and women. But it affects more women than men because of the sexual and reproductive nature of women. It is the second most common type of cancer worldwide after lung cancer.

It is usually marked by changes in breast size or shape and nipple inversion. Research shows that women in the United States have more incidence of breast cancer than any other women globally. Breast cancer is the most widespread type of cancer in the United States.

It normally does not start with any sign and symptom. But as time goes on it shows signs and symptoms such as skin changes and pain. Diagnosis often takes several weeks and involves all kinds of tests.

There are no known causes of breast cancer. You cannot contact it from another person because it is not contagious. But medical research has shown that certain women are more vulnerable than other women depending on certain risk factors.

Age is one of such factors. The chance of getting cancer increases as the age of a woman increases. Breast cancer is prevalent in women over 60 years old.

Another risk factor is personal history of cancer of the breast. This means that if a woman had cancer of the breast in one breast she is very likely to have it in the other breast.

Breast cancer can be genetic. So if your sister, mother or grandmother had cancer of the breast you may have it because it could be transferred through the genes.

Reproductive and menstrual history can contribute to the chances of having cancer of the breast. If a woman had her first child at old age she is most likely to have breast cancer. Women that had their first menstrual cycle before the age of 12 are at an increased risk of breast cancer. Women that underwent menopause after the age of 55 are also at an increased risk of breast cancer.

Race is another factor. Research has shown that white women are at an increased risk of breast cancer than Latin American, Asian, African, and African American women.

In-depth medical research has shown that there is no link between abortion or miscarriage and breast cancer. The same research also shows that being overweight or obese after menopause can increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

Lack of exercise increases the risk of developing breast cancer because people that get little or no exercise become overweight or obese and being overweight or obese is one of the risk factors. Being physically active may help to reduce the chances of suffering from breast cancer.

Alcoholism also increases the risk of getting breast cancer. The more alcohol a woman drinks the more her chances of developing cancer of the breast.

Treatment of breast cancer includes surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and radiation treatment. Medical research shows that surgery is the best because other methods of treatments have more severe side effects than surgery. The side effects include abdominal pain, drug or medication addiction, kidney failure, anxiety, back pain, anemia, and allergic reactions such as skin rashes and eczematoid dermatitis.

I will advise you to talk to your doctor before taking any medication if you have a history of any disease in order to avoid the side-effects of using harmful medications.

But it is important to note that most women who have obvious risk factors don't get breast cancer. So the best way to ascertain your breast condition is to meet your doctor and explain to him your concerns. Your doctor may be able to advise you on how to reduce your risk.

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B. C Prevention - How to Get Ready For Your Mammogram

A mammogram is one of the safest ways that is used to check if there is any problem with the breast of a woman. It is actually an x-ray of the breasts, as it involves in using a special and very low dose x-ray machine taking pictures of both breasts.

Effective Method of Preventing Cancer

Mammogram is an effective way of breast cancer prevention, as it is the most reliable procedure to detect early stages of breast cancer. However, there are some limitations of mammogram. Many cancers may not be detected by mammograms. Such breast cancers can be detected by breast self-exam. This article will guide you in getting ready for your mammogram.

What You Should Watch Out For?

Firstly, you should check the place where you are going to have your mammogram, so that you get to know about any special instructions, which you must follow before you arrive there. You should make the appointment for your mammogram for at least one week after the completion of your period. This is because your breast generally hurt less during this time. You should make sure that you tell your mammography facility, if you have ever got any type of breast implants.

Things to Remember Before Visiting Mammogram Facility

It is better that you wear a shirt preferably with shorts, skirt or pants. This helps you to undress from the waist up, thus leaving your pants, skirt or shorts on while you are getting your mammogram. It is highly advised that do not use any sort of deodorant, lotion, powder or lotion on your breasts or under your arms on the day you are having your mammogram.

Using these things may result in shadows on your mammogram, as they contain small aluminium particles. You can use cornstarch in place of talcum powder or deodorant, as it does not interfere with the x-ray image. You should not use any sort skin lotions on your breasts, as it can make them slippery. Hence, it will result in a movement during the process and a blurred image may be produced.

What Actually Happens During the Diagnosis Process?

After reaching the clinic, you should undress up to your waist. Try wearing clothes that can be easily removed and has loose fittings. Do not wear a bra on the day. Do not forget to take a hairbrush, so that you can tidy up at the time of redressing. After undressing, you will be asked to put on the hospital gown, opening to the front. The technician will help you in positioning yourself in front of the mammogram machine while standing. While taking the mammogram, your technician will rest each of your breasts on a metal plate, arranging maximum of the breast tissue between the top compression plate and the bottom plate. Your breasts will then be imaged and compressed for various lateral and vertical images.

It is recommended that women, especially those belonging to the upper age limit of 40 years or more, have a mammogram of their breasts done every year. This helps in early detection of breast cancer in one's breast and ensures proper treatment, which can even cure cancer.

To Your Health!

Abortion Clinic. Dr. James

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