Importance of Addressing Cancer Prevention

One in two men and one in three women willhave to hear those dreadful words in their lifetime: "You have cancer." It's even more heartbreaking to know that many of these cancers are potentially preventable. Yes, I've heard some of the arguments. "We all have to die of something." Or, "When your time comes, your time comes." It's true that none of us will escape this planet alive. But it's not true that cancer - some cancers anyway - are unavoidable. According the American Institute for Cancer Research, 30 to 40% of cancers could be prevented with a healthy diet and exercise alone. Add to that the avoidance of tobacco, and a healthy respect for occupational and household chemicals, and the number is higher yet. A new study emphasizes the importance of prevention by putting some numbers out there. Researchers looked at 6 cancers in particular that are potentially preventable - lung, colon and rectum, liver, breast, cervix, and prostate. They then calculated the average expected years of life lost (EYLL) for each of these cancers. For liver cancer and lung cancer the average EYLL was over 13 years, while the EYLL for prostate cancer was less than 2 years. Based on numbers from 2012 lung cancer would cause a grand total of 3,116,000 lost years of life. Second up was breast cancer with 1,420,000 years lost, followed by colon and rectal cancer with a loss of 932,000 years of life. The conclusion? Successful prevention strategies for lung cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer have the potential to greatly minimize the loss of life of people living in the United States . Until we know more, what can you do to lower your chances of developing the 6 cancers in this study? Some of these tips may be obvious, but others may surprise you.

Natural Breast Cancer Defense Alternative Medicine and Breast Cancer Prevention

The most common form of cancer among women in the United States (other than skin cancer ), breast cancer typically begins as a malignant tumor in the breast ducts or in the glands responsible for producing milk. In some cases, breast cancer spreads to distant areas of the body. Breast cancer affects one in eight women during the course of their lives. The disease may also occur in men, but incidences of male breast cancer are fairly rare. Causes of Breast Cancer Although no one knows what causes breast cancer, these factors may increase your risk for the disease: *. personal or family history of breast cancer *. reproductive and menstrual history (such asbeginning periods before age 12 or going through menopause after age 55) *. being overweight or obese *. lack of physical activity *. consumption of alcohol Breast cancer risk increases as you age, and most cases occur in women over 60. The disease is more common among white women than Latina, Asian, or African-American women. Breast Cancer Symptoms Performing self-exams of your breasts each month can help you detect any changes that may signal breast cancer. These changes mayinclude: *. a lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area *. nipple tenderness *. a change in size or shape of the breast or nipple *. scaly, red, or swollen skin on the breast, areola, or nipple Nipple discharge may also be a sign of breastcancer. In addition to performing monthly self-exams, you should visit your doctor regularly for clinical breast exams. Women who are over age 40 (or who have certain risk factors for breast cancer) should also receive mammograms every one or two years. Learn how to do a breast self-exam. Breast Cancer Treatment Treatment options for breast cancer are based on a number of factors, including type of breast cancer, breast cancer stage , the cancer cells' sensitivity to hormones, and the patient's overall health. Treatments may include breast cancer surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted drugs, or a combination or therapies. Alternative Medicine for Breast Cancer A number of natural therapies may help relieve side effects of conventional cancer treatments, ease stress, and enhance quality of life for people coping with breast cancer. Talk to your doctor about using the following: *. acupuncture *. guided imagery *. hypnosis *. massage *. meditation *. tai chi *. yoga Breast Cancer Prevention Although there's no surefire way to prevent breast cancer, the following may reduce your risk: *. exercising for at least a half-hour on most days of the week *. limiting your use of postmenopausal hormone therapy *. maintaining a healthy weight *. limiting your consumption of alcohol Preliminary research suggests that these natural substances may also aid in the prevention of breast cancer: 1) Curcumin An animal-based study published in 2009 shows that curcumin (a compound found in the curry spice turmeric and available in supplement form) may help reduce breast cancer risk for women undergoing hormone replacement therapy during menopause . Thestudy's authors suggest that women receiving a combined estrogen and progestinhormone replacement therapy could potentially take curcumin to protect against the development of progestin-accelerated tumors. However, it's important to talk to your doctor about using any natural remedies in combination with hormone replacement therapy. 2) Resveratrol In a test-tube study published in 2008, researchers found that resveratrol (an antioxidant found in the skin of grapes) helped suppress breast-cancer progression in its earliest stages. Available in supplement form, resveratrol appeared to stop estrogen from reacting with DNA molecules and forming compounds that mark the start of cancer cell formation. 3) Green Tea While clinical trials on green tea's cancer-fighting effects have yielded mixed results, lab tests suggest that a combination of greentea and ganoderma (a medicinal mushroom , also known as reishi) may help slow the growth of breast cancer cells.

Young Women, Family History and Breast Cancer Knowledge is Powe.

(LifeWire) - Jennifer Davis was 19 years old when her mother, then 49, was diagnosed with breast cancer. In a way, it wasn't a surprise. Breast cancer killed her maternal great-grandmother at age28. Her maternal grandmother died of ovarian cancer at 69. Then, as her mother underwent surgery and started chemotherapy, Davis found a lump in her own breast . Although it was benign, she wasterrified. "I had just seen my mother go through chemo and I wondered if I was next," recalled Davis, a Washington, D.C. resident. Genetic testing confirmed Davis had inheritedthe gene mutation that increases her risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer. At age 23, she is diligent about screening and a healthy lifestyle, and she is giving serious thought to eventually removing her breasts and ovaries as a dramatic, but effective, preventative measure. Because genetic testing is still relatively new, researchers aren't sure how many people have one of the gene mutations associated with breast cancer. But they estimate that up to 30% of American women have an immediate family member who was treated for breast cancer. This means that even young women with a known family history ofthe disease can start taking steps to protect their own health. However, this also presents tough choices, including whether to undergoprophylactic surgery or take medications thatdecrease the risk of breast cancer but often have side effects. Determining Risk The average American woman has a 12% chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime; this figure can more than double for a woman with a family history of breast cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control, women with a "first-degree" relative -- such as a mother or sister -- who had breast cancer have an approximately 30% chance ofdeveloping the disease, too. If that first-degree relative is diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer (breast cancer in both breasts),the risk jumps to 36%. Among those with "second-degree" relatives (grandmother, aunt or niece), lifetime risk is about 22%. For those with a "third-degree" relative (cousin, great-grandparent or great-aunt) who had breast cancer, the risk is 16%. Yet family history doesn't guarantee a breast cancer diagnosis. Experts estimate that only 5% to 10% of breast cancer cases are hereditary. In addition, the gene mutations associated with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer appear to be uncommon in the general population. These are the genemutations labeled BRCA1 and BRCA2 by researchers. BRCA stands for breast cancer and the numbers indicate the order researchers discovered the gene mutations. Although exact prevalence of the mutations isunknown, one study found that within a group of approximately 2,300 women, ages 35 to 64, about 2.9% of white women, 1.4% of black women and 10.2% of Jewish womenhad BRCA1 mutations. The study found that 2.6% of black women, 2.1% of white women and 1.1% of Jewish women had the BRCA2 mutation. To assess personal risk, see the National Cancer Institute's website for its breast cancer risk assessment tool . Genetic Testing Many physicians now advise women with a family history of either breast or ovarian cancer to pursue genetic testing, but this personal decision can bring its share of emotions, as well as useful information. According to a Canadian study of 39 people who tested positive for the gene mutation, the majority viewed the results as enabling. Participants said the testing allowed them to take a more proactive approach to their health care. But a minority expressed feelingsof hopelessness and uncertainty. These individuals said they felt "neither ill nor completely well." Though health insurance and discrimination was previously a concern, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007-2008 ensures nationwide protection for individuals against health care insurance and employment discrimination. Screening For most women under age 35, breast cancerscreening is not part of their annual health routine. But for women with a family history of breast cancer, experts say screening should begin as early as age 25. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center recommends that women who have a first-degree relative diagnosed with breast cancershould begin yearly mammograms starting 10 years earlier than when the youngest family member was diagnosed. For example, if a mother was diagnosed at age 42, her daughter should begin annual mammography testing at age 32. For womenin this risk factor group, experts also recommend clinical breast exams at least twice each year and monthly, self exams beginning at age 20.Prevention Research shows that smoking and a fatty diet contribute further to one's risk of cancer, so a healthy lifestyle is especially important for someone with a family history of the disease

Bras Cause Breast Cancer: Mythor Fact? Let's Examine an Old Internet and Email Rumor

Bras may lift and separate, smooth out or point out the way, provide support or inspirefantasies. Bras also have inspired rumors - including the idea that bras cause breast cancer . Before you burn your bras, let's consider the rumor and balance it with some facts. Breasts in Bras Behaving Badly Here's how the rumor goes: Women who normally wear a bra for 12 or more hours a day develop breast cancer at higher rates that women who never wear bras. In different versions of this rumor, the toxic bras may be tight fitting, fit badly, or have underwires. As a result of this routine restriction, the breast's lymph system is blocked, causing the accumulation of toxins inside the breast - which causes breast cancer. The myth goes on to propose that breasts which swing free of a bra actually massage the mammary lymph system and constantly cleanse themselves of carcinogens. The rumor has bad assumptions: Your breast's lymph system does not drain into the main part of your breast. Instead, as anyone who has had a sentinel node biopsy can tell you, the lymph system drains out of the breast into your underarm lymph nodes . Bras- even compression bras - can't prevent the circulation of blood and lymph from your breast. Breast cancer occurs when mutated genes cause cells to grow like wildfire, and we don't know what causes those genetic mutations. Running Down The Rumor to Its Source Sydney Ross Singer and Soma Grismaijer wrote a book in 1995 titled, "Dressed to Kill." Their book was the result of their observations - not the results of a scientific medical study. Singer and Grismaijer reportedthat women in westernized cultures who wore bras had a higher rate of breast cancer than women in traditional cultures who rarely wore a bra. Their observations did not include known risk factors for breast cancer, so data about diet , weight , exercise , start of menstruation, pregnancies , and breastfeeding was not considered. Singer has degrees in biology and anthropology, while Grismaijer has worked as an optician. They have written many similar books, and their current campaign warns of the dangers of sleeping in a horizontal position. They say " flat sleeping " causes brain compression, leading to Alzheimer's disease, migraines, sleep apnea, and glaucoma. Singer and Grismaijer claim that bras and flat sleeping are both unnaturaland unhealthy. The authors say that many people believe their warnings, accept their observations as truth, and buy their books. As far as I know, none of their disciples have remained perfectly disease-free nor have theyattained immortality. Short History of Breast Cancer and Bras Breast cancer is an ancient disease , and in the days before X-rays , appropriate surgeries, and other modern treatments was both well known and fatal. Bras are a fairly recent invention. Luman L Chapman added cups to the corset in 1863, and Marie Tucek was given a patent in 1893 for a garment called a breast supporter. Finally, in 1913, Mary Phelps Jacob put two silk hankies together with some pink ribbon, forming a modest and less restraining version of the bra. If you take the long view of human history, breast cancer beats bras for longevity. Researchers are looking for more basic causes than the advent of bras to explain the increase in cases of breast cancer. Persistent Myth Rooted in Control Dr. Susan Love, in her Breast Book , says that we listen to the "bras cause breast cancer" myth because we want to blame something external that we can control. A diagnosis of cancer brings on feelings of frustration, fear, and a sense that our body has betrayed us. Cancer starts inside our own cells, as a result of processes that science still can't explain. Love says, "You find people less wanting to think about birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy and fertility drugs," she says, "and more about pesticides, bras and deodorant ." We want control over life and health - cancer breaks that illusion. Possible Side Effects Of Wearing Bras Women have had problems while wearing bras. Breast pain , skin irritation, or even contact with an exposed underwire can cause discomfort. Speaking of those wires - some women are allergic to the metal and may develop a rash when a wire gets out of bounds. If your breasts are fibrocystic , or if your breasts are growing due to pregnancy , bras can certainly become uncomfortable. Very full breasts may cause back pain, muscle tension, or even headaches. Have a professional bra fitting, or find your proper bra size to avoid bothersome bras.

Diet and Breast Cancer Risk Diet, Weight, and Lifestyle Affect Risk of Recurrence

Here is a tool you can add to your cancer-fighting arsenal: a balanced diet. Research is confirming what our grandparents already knew: fresh fruits and vegetables are good for health, meat is for special occasions, and herbs and spices are medicinal. Learn about the foods that help you fight cancer. Load Your Plate With These Healthy Foods: Eat Your Broccoli Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts contain sulphur compounds, which may not smell good to you, but they fight cancer. Broccoli in particular, combats breast cancer -- so eat some every week. Legumes - Earthy Treasures Beans, beans, peas, lentils and peanuts are nutritious, low in fat, high in protein, and richin antioxidants and saponins. While they don't prevent breast cancer, they do boost your overall health. And while we're talking about beans … Soy and Breast Cancer - The True Story Soybeans and soy products are good alternatives to animal-based foods. Soy foods contain the isoflavone genistein, which may help prevent breast cancer, if you start eatingit just before puberty. You can eat soy foods in moderation, and it's easy to add soy to your diet. Onions and Garlic - Don't Turn Up Your Nose! Fragrant and colorful - alliums -- such as garlic and onions, appear in foods all over theworld. They have great nutritional value, and can help fight cancer. Learn how eating onions and garlic is part of eating healthy. Herbs and Spices - Little Powders Pack a Punch You might be surprised how powerful spices are -- not just for zing, but also for your anticancer diet! Several herbs and spices have been compared to effective cancer-fighting drugs. Take a tour of six herbs and spices that fight cancer. Sweet and Low-Calorie Fruits and Berries Fruits and berries are natural sweets that canbe added to entrees or vegetable dishes. On their own, they make easy low-calorie desserts or smoothies . Cranberries are especially packed with cancer-fighting compounds. But what about grapefruit -- is it really safe -- or not? Whole Grains and Seeds - Humble and Healthy Whole grains give you the full benefit of all three parts of the grain, which contain many vitamins , minerals, and dietary fiber. Flaxseeds are a good example of a whole grain you can use daily. Learn how whole grains benefit your health and are easy to add to your diet. Natural Sweeteners: Healthier than Refined Sugars Natural sweeteners are a very pleasant part of eating healthy -- they are low on the glycemic index, so they don't raise your bloodglucose levels like refined sugar does. Cancer thrives on sugar, so using natural sweetenersis better for you. Read about several natural sweeteners. Entrees to Enjoy: Fish or Vegetarian Dishes Fish and seafood are lower in saturated fats than meats, and are rich in omega-3 fatty acids , which fight cancer. But be picky about which fish you choose - some are better for you than others. Branch out and try fish or vegetarian entrees for a change from meats. Drink to Your Health: Coffee, Tea, and Caffeine Coffee and tea contain antioxidants, which can reduce your risk of cancer. Green tea is especially good for you. But those drinks also contain caffeine, which in large quantities might not be so good for your breasts. Read more to find out how caffeine affects your health. Water and Juice - Flush Your Toxins Water and juice helps you to stay hydrated and help your body eliminate possible carcinogens. Juice from fruits and vegetables is easy for your body to absorb, but may contain extra sugar and less fiber than fresh products. Try juicing your own fruits and vegetables, or making smoothies in your blender. Limit or Avoid These Foods and Drink: Meats - Tasty But Not So Healthy Daily servings of red and processed meats can result in too many calories, extra weight, and various diseases. Have meats only on special occasions -- especially if it is fried, broiled or grilled. In fact, start thinking of meat as a condiment. Learn how much meat is safe, and how it should be cooked. Potatoes - High on the Glycemic Index Even though potatoes are a nice way to fill out a supper plate, they aren't that healthy for you. Potatoes are high on the glycemic index, so they can raise your blood sugar levels, which is not good. Learn which varieties are actually good for you. Sweets and Sodas - Over Your Lips and OntoYour Hips Artificial sweeteners (Aspartame and Saccharin) do not seem to increase cancer risk in humans. However, drinking diet sodas,which depend on artificial sweeteners, seem to be linked with weight gain. Excess weight raises your risk of developing breast cancer, and of having a recurrence. Just a Pinch of Salt Consuming high levels of salt, or eating foodsthat have been preserved by pickling, or brining, may lead to increased risk of stomach, nasopharyngeal, and throat cancer. Moderate use of salt with food has not been shown to cause cancer.

Skin Cancer Risk and Driving and Cancer with breast protection

People of any age, race, or skin color can develop basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer. However, the likelihood of developingthese diseases increases when you have one or more risk factors. The most significant risk factor for skin cancer, by far, is well known: exposure to excessive ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or tanning salons . However, numerous other factors are associated with basal and squamous cell carcinomas. Your risk increases if you: *. have freckles and burn before tanning *. have fair skin or blond, red, or light brown hair *. have actinic keratoses (pre-cancerous lesions that have the potential to progress to squamous cell carcinoma) *. have albinism (absence of skin pigment) *. are a male (men are about two times as likely as women to have basal cell cancers and about three times as likely to have squamous cell cancers) *. are older (due to the accumulation of sun exposure over time) *. were previously treated for skin cancer (thechance of a second occurrence is 40%) *. have a family history of skin cancer (a genetic influence is more common in melanoma, however) *. live or vacation at high altitudes (UV radiation increases 4% to 5% for every 1,000 feet above sea level) *. live or vacation in tropical or subtropical climates (the risk doubles for those living in Florida or Arizona versus residents of Minnesota, for example) *. work indoors all week and then get intensesun exposure on weekends *. spend a lot of time or work outdoors There are also less common but well-documented additional risk factors . Unlike many cancers, basal cell and squamouscell carcinoma can be cured if detected early. If you have any of the above risk factors, it is important that you perform regular self examinations of your skin, see a dermatologist for regular examinations, and protect yourself from the sun If you drive on a regular basis, you may be putting yourself at risk of developing skin cancer. Whether you hang your left arm out of the window or rest it on the door with thewindow closed as you make your daily commute, the left side of your body is being exposed to harmful UVA rays, especially your face and arm. Window glass may protect you from UVB rays, which cause sunburn, but it does not block UVA rays, which play a role in the development of skin cancer. A study published in the May 2010 edition of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology shows that drivers are at an increased risk of developing skin cancer lesions on the left side of their bodies more often than their right. In the study, researchers examined the medical records of 1,047 people with skin cancer. They found that 52.6 percent people had skin cancer on the left side of their bodies as opposed to 47.4 percent on the right. Melanoma , a deadly form of skin cancer, occurred much more frequently on the left side -- 74 percent compared to 26 percent on the right. Of course, more research needs to be conducted, but the basic principles remain: UV exposure increases the likelihood that we will develop skin cancer. Harmful UVA rays appear to be able to penetrate through windows, leaving our skin vulnerable. Meanwhile, the glass tends to block UVB rays, which cause sunburn. So even though you're not getting burned through the window, you're still getting dangerous sun exposure. Reduce Your Risk of Developing Skin Cancer While Driving The first rule of skin cancer prevention is to wear sunscreen . Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before leaving the house or going outdoors. Don't forget to reapply throughout the day as needed. Be sure to read the sunscreen manufacturer's instructions for specific advice, as products differ. You can also try to reduce the amount you drive, although this isn't feasible for some people. Professional drivers need to be especially careful about skin cancer prevention as their exposure to UV rays is higher than the average driver. Window tints may be an option for some, depending on state law and product availability. There are window-tinting films that block 99 percent of UV rays. See a local window-tinting company for specific productinformation. Some states do not allow driver-side windows to be tinted, so be sure to inquire about your state's regulations. Don't let cloudy weather fool you! UV rays penetrate the clouds, exposing you to harmful effects of sun exposure. This especially applies to those who drive long hours daily, such as personal drivers and truck drivers.

Cervical Cancer Risk Factors on breast protection cancer

Researchers have identified several risk factors associated with cervical cancer. A cervical cancer risk factor is something that increases the likelihood of developing the disease. It is not a guarantee that cervical cancer will develop. Some risk factors can be avoided such a sexual behavior and smoking , but some risk factors are out of our control. Risk factors wecannot control risks like genetics and age. Cervical Cancer Risk Factors *. Human Papillomavirus (HPV): HPV has the strongest link to cervical cancer development. It is an extremely common virus that is transmitted through sexual contact. There are over one hundred different strains of HPV, with most posing no health risk. However, a handful of strainsaffect the cervix , which could lead to cervical cancer. HPV usually does not present symptoms , so a regular Pap smear is vital to detecting cervical damage caused by HPV. *. Smoking: When people think of smoking, lung cancer usually comes to the mind first, not cervical cancer. The carcinogens in cigarettes can cause damage to the cervical cells, possibly leading to cervical cancer. Studies have shown that smoking can accelerate the cervical damage caused by HPV. *. Sexual History: Certain sexual behavior mayincrease your risk of developing cervical cancer. Having many sex partners or havingsex with someone who has had many sexual partners may increase your risk of developing HPV, thus possibly developing cervical cancer. Having sex at an early age also increases the risk for cervical cancer. It is thought thathaving sex with an uncircumcised male mayincrease your risk as well. Studies have shown that women whose partners were circumcised were less likely to develop cervical cancer. *. HIV Infection: Women infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at a greater risk of developing cervical cancer. HIV compromises the immune system, making it harder for the body to ward off an HPV infection. A weakened immune system may also cause cervical cancer to develop at a more rapid pace. *. Genetics: Having a family history of cervical cancer may increase the risk for cervical cancer. It is estimated that if an immediate family member, like a mother or sister, has had cervical cancer, the risk is increased two to three times. *. Multiple Births: Studies have shown that women who carry seven or more full-term pregnancies are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. *. Oral Contraceptives: There is a small cervical cancer risk in using birth control pills for longer than five years. Many physicians agree that the benefits of oral contraceptives far outweigh the risks. If youare concerned with the risk of cervical cancer from birth control pills, talk to your doctor. *. DES Exposure: Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a drug used in the past for women who wereat high risk of having a miscarriage. It was used between 1940 to 1971. Women born to those who were given DES are at a slight risk of developing a rare form of cervical cancer because of the DES exposure. One out of 1,000 women who were exposed in utero will develop this type of cancer. *. Failure to Get Screened Regularly for Cervical Cancer: Women who have regular Pap smears greatly reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer. A Pap smear candetect abnormal cervical changes before they progress to cervical cancer.