One of the most feared conditions in women is breast cancer. Yearly mammograms after the age of 40 years old has reduced the death rate from this condition due to early detection. But is there anything you can do to prevent this dreaded condition? Studies from the Mayo Clinic report that diet combined with exercise offers the best chance of reducing one’s chance of developing breast cancer. A summary of the findings are:
“Maintain a healthy weight. There’s a clear link between obesity. This is especially true if you gain the weight later in life, particularly after menopause. Excess fatty tissue is a source of circulating estrogen in your body. And breast cancer risk is linked to how much estrogen you’re exposed to during your lifetime.
“Stay physically active. Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and, as a consequence, may aid in lowering your risk of breast cancer. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week.
Eat foods high in substances that prevent cancer cell growth. “Scientists are continually making new discoveries that may impact breast cancer prevention. Among the most promising agents are retinoids and flaxseed.
“Retinoids – Natural or synthetic forms of vitamin A (retinoids) may have the ability to destroy or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Unlike other experimental therapies, retinoids may be effective in premenopausal women and in those whose tumors aren’t estrogen-positive. Research is ongoing.
“Flaxseed – Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring compounds that lower circulating estrogens in your body. Flaxseed is particularly high in one phytoestrogen, lignan, which appears to decrease estrogen production and which may inhibit the growth of some breast cancers.”
Eat a low fat diet – Some studies suggest this will also help present breast cancer. But “according to a researcher at the University of California who presented his findings at a recent meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, following a diet that’s low in fat may reduce the risk of recurrence of breast cancer. (Reported in Yahoo Health, December 8, 2005)
So why not begin today in doing our part in preventing this and other forms of cancer. Remember my motto: “I’ll do my best, and trust God for the rest!”