Reduce Breast Cancer Risk

Being a vegetarian is not a 100% guaranteed that you will not get cancer. It is a healthier lifestyle, however, there are many variables that can cause cancer and breast cancer. Add to the equation, eating meat in an earlier life, environmental factors, genetics/family history, obesity, smoking, lack of exercise and history of drinking alcohol. All these factors can cause breast caner.

Moreover, know where your fruits and vegetables come from. Many of our fruits and vegetables that we eat have been treated with pesticides, (which in turn places more estrogen in our bodies, which can cause breast cells to grow abnormally).

Be aware of what vegetables that have a high estrogen content in them. Such as sweet potatoes and “true yams” are totally different vegetables from two separate botanical families. Yams are brighter, orange color and are served more frequently in stores and restaurants, have a higher estrogen component in them. Yet women who maybe at risk for breast cancer are not aware of this factor

Furthermore, there are studies that have shown curcumin and black pepper have cancer-fighting properties to help to reduce breast cancer. Other measures that can be taken to reduce breast cancer is to lower or eliminate the consumption of alcohol. Check your Vitamin D levels, it appears that women who have a low Vitamin D level are more at risk for breast cancer.

In addition to, these factors that I have mentioned above, one must get adequate sleep, exercise, and take time for you. Being a vegetarian is not a 100% guaranteed that you will not get cancer. It is a healthier lifestyle, however, there are many variables that can cause cancer and breast cancer. Add to the equation, eating meat in an earlier life, environmental factors, genetics/family history, obesity, smoking, lack of exercise and history of drinking alcohol. All these factors can cause breast caner.

Moreover, know where your fruits and vegetables come from. Many of our fruits and vegetables that we eat have been treated with pesticides, (which in turn places more estrogen in our bodies, which can cause breast cells to grow abnormally).

Be aware of what vegetables that have a high estrogen content in them. Such as sweet potatoes and “true yams” are totally different vegetables from two separate botanical families. Yams are brighter, orange color and are served more frequently in stores and restaurants, have a higher estrogen component in them. Yet women who maybe at risk for breast cancer are not aware of this factor

Furthermore, there are studies that have shown curcumin and black pepper have cancer-fighting properties to help to reduce breast cancer. Other measures that can be taken to reduce breast cancer is to lower or eliminate the consumption of alcohol. Check your Vitamin D levels, it appears that women who have a low Vitamin D level are more at risk for breast cancer.

In addition to, these factors that I have mentioned above, one must get adequate sleep, exercise, and take time for you.

Metformin, an oral medication that is commonly used to treat diabetes, may significantly reduce the risk of multiple types of cancer in diabetics, including cancers of the breast, prostate, pancreas, colon and rectum (although the published research in this area is overwhelmingly based upon retrospective, and hence less accurate, data). The vast majority of metformin cancer prevention studies have been performed in diabetics who are already taking metformin (http://doctorwascher.com/Archives/7-12-09.htm). As diabetes is, by itself, a significant risk factor for cancer, it is unclear at this time if metformin can significantly decrease cancer risk in non-diabetic patients. Therefore, the use of metformin for breast cancer risk reduction should be considered investigational at this time (in both diabetics and non-diabetics). Fortunately, there are multiple ongoing prospective clinical trials looking at the role of metformin as a cancer prevention agent in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Unfortunately, it will likely take 5 to 10 years before the data from these trials has been collected and analyzed. Metformin, an oral medication that is commonly used to treat diabetes, may significantly reduce the risk of multiple types of cancer in diabetics, including cancers of the breast, prostate, pancreas, colon and rectum (although the published research in this area is overwhelmingly based upon retrospective, and hence less accurate, data). The vast majority of metformin cancer prevention studies have been performed in diabetics who are already taking metformin (http://doctorwascher.com/Archives/7-12-09.htm). As diabetes is, by itself, a significant risk factor for cancer, it is unclear at this time if metformin can significantly decrease cancer risk in non-diabetic patients. Therefore, the use of metformin for breast cancer risk reduction should be considered investigational at this time (in both diabetics and non-diabetics). Fortunately, there are multiple ongoing prospective clinical trials looking at the role of metformin as a cancer prevention agent in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Unfortunately, it will likely take 5 to 10 years before the data from these trials has been collected and analyzed.

I really try to have them focus on 1. achieving a healthy weight 2. consuming a healthy diet 3. Avoiding chemical exposure as much as possible 4. Relieving stress in their lives 5. Making sure to manage any side effects of meds (like hormone blockers) so that they continue to take them 6. Stay up to date on all other cancer screening. My favorite book about these topics is Anti Cancer a New Way of Life by David Servan-Schrieber, MD, Phd I really try to have them focus on 1. achieving a healthy weight 2. consuming a healthy diet 3. Avoiding chemical exposure as much as possible 4. Relieving stress in their lives 5. Making sure to manage any side effects of meds (like hormone blockers) so that they continue to take them 6. Stay up to date on all other cancer screening. My favorite book about these topics is Anti Cancer a New Way of Life by David Servan-Schrieber, MD, Phd

There is a growing recognition that pathological findings may assist in prognosis. It is unclear from your question what disease this represented. Perineural extension is often noted in prostate cancer. This may confer a higher risk of recurrence in this disease. Again, this is disease specific. A growing number of algorithms are being developed that combine histology, nuclear grade, lymphatic invasion, vascular invasion, and molecular markers to provide better information regarding risk of recurrence. There is a growing recognition that pathological findings may assist in prognosis. It is unclear from your question what disease this represented. Perineural extension is often noted in prostate cancer. This may confer a higher risk of recurrence in this disease. Again, this is disease specific. A growing number of algorithms are being developed that combine histology, nuclear grade, lymphatic invasion, vascular invasion, and molecular markers to provide better information regarding risk of recurrence.

Great answers...I'd like to add that you want to aim for at least 15 servings of fruit and veges (more veges than fruit) and include at least 10 different varieties. Look for a rainbow of colors as each has its own cancer fighting properties. Limit dairy, eggs, poultry and meat, and peanuts/peanut butter as they can promote cancer friendly inflammation in the body, and in the case of the former, add unwanted hormones.

Many of the suggestions for lowering risk for breast cancer are the same recommendations I would give to lower the risk for most chronic illness. I like to speak in terms of creating the optimal healing environment in the body.
- Engage daily in moderate physical activity
- Avoid alcohol, transfats and processed foods
- Use stress reductions techniques often
- Have a positive mental outlook
- Detoxify your living environment, use less synthetic chemicals in your day to day life. Use products that are healthier for your body and the environment.

Absolutely! great answer...there is no one magic thing to do. Embracing spirituality and support as well as addressing the dietary deficiencies and toxic emotional patterns that are making us sick are incredibly helpful in our quest for wellness.
Please visit my post: Changing the Cancer Environment

http://elynjacobs.wordpress.com/2011/12/09/changing-the-cancer-environment/
I think this is the $64,000 question! I also think that there are some well-established domains in which you can work to optimize your wellness plan. A wellness plan is not only medical; it incorporates all areas of your well-being -- physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. When I created my wellness plan, and as I continnue to update and refine it, I apply best practices to what works for me relative to nutrition, exercise, emotional support, and faith-based rituals.

I think that working out a nutrition and food plan is the most important change one can make for a long-term recovery. While weight loss will probably be an outcome of changing the way you eat, you first must start by examining which foods will work best for your body and what amounts you need to get optimum nutrition. Weight control and exercise are the two related factors that are truly under our control and that might have a bearing on the outcome of treatment for early stage breast cancer.

Most women choose close surveillance, seeing their breast specialist twice a year for breast examinations along with screening. In addition to that, you may be referred for chemoprevention or hormonal treatment such as tamoxifen or if post-menopausal (raloxifene, exemestane).
It is not necessary to have a mastectomy for ADH alone. Most women choose close surveillance, seeing their breast specialist twice a year for breast examinations along with screening. In addition to that, you may be referred for chemoprevention or hormonal treatment such as tamoxifen or if post-menopausal (raloxifene, exemestane).
It is not necessary to have a mastectomy for ADH alone.

High risk lesions such as atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH) and LCIS (lobular carcinoma in situ) or lobular neoplasia when identified on a needle biopsy are often followed by an open excisional biopsy as there is a 10-20% incidence of an associated cancer.

Patients can be offered chemopreventive agents such as tamoxifen or raloxifene. However, most women are generally followed twice a year with physical examinations and annual mammograms. High risk lesions such as atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH) and LCIS (lobular carcinoma in situ) or lobular neoplasia when identified on a needle biopsy are often followed by an open excisional biopsy as there is a 10-20% incidence of an associated cancer.

Patients can be offered chemopreventive agents such as tamoxifen or raloxifene. However, most women are generally followed twice a year with physical examinations and annual mammograms.

If there's one thing that can comes up time and time again for risk reduction in breast cancer survivors it is exercise; moderate, daily exercise. This, most recently on ABC World News Tonight 10/3/11: http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/breast-cancer-awareness-hit-gym-14659881

I took up cycling following treatment not necessarily to prevent recurrence, but because exercise in and of itself helped reduce symptoms brought on by treatment, especially tamoxifen. Other helpful strategies: I eat a largely vegetable based diet, little if any red meat; I avoid situations that do nothing but cook up stress for me; and when possible, I laugh long and hard. There's everything to be said for surrounding yourself with loving, open people.

The other caveat I believe all of us understand is that there are certain kinds of breast cancer that are more amenable to these kind of interventions. Mine happened to be one, even though I was diagnosed at a later stage, it was ER/PR positive.

Biologically speaking, there are also breast cancers that are so aggressive no amount of self-propelled activity is going to change the outcome. I don't want any woman with advanced disease to blame herself for not doing enough. We all must do what we can by understanding our cancer and what helps make us tick. Add New AnswerI had always thought I was a pretty healthy person. I was wrong. I was an avid exerciser, likely too intense, and intense exercise can weaken the immune system. I had frequent and lengthy colds, and did not realize something was wrong. I was always a healthy eater, but did not realize that peanut butter is inflammatory, can contain aflatoxins and is supportive to cancer cells. I lived on peanut butter, thought it a better alternative to meat. I ate plenty of vegetables, some of the time, but not enough variety, especially the strong cancer fighters. I had considerable stress in my life. I grew up in a stressful environment, lived in a stressful relationship for many years and a had a stressful job for 23 years. I drank too much alcohol and did not partake in mind-body, stress relieving modalities. Cheese, love it, ate much. Now, I try to relax, eat mostly a plant based diet and consider wine and cheese a treat. I partake in moderate exercise. I have a wonderful husband and two terrific boys. I love life and appreciate all that I have. I still have stress, most of us do, but instead of anger, there is love. For me, for them, love heals.

There have been stuides that looked at this (not prospective and randomized) that do NOT support macrobiotic diets keeping cancer in remission. That said, if a macrobiotic diet makes a patient feel 'good' and gives them some control, then the mind body connection may very help that particular patient. There is no proof that a macrobiotic diet is harmful. There have been stuides that looked at this (not prospective and randomized) that do NOT support macrobiotic diets keeping cancer in remission. That said, if a macrobiotic diet makes a patient feel 'good' and gives them some control, then the mind body connection may very help that particular patient. There is no proof that a macrobiotic diet is harmful.

You are on the right track. You have had the most appropriate surgery for risk reduction. Exercise is extremely important and I commend you for including exercise in your survivor lifestyle. It has been shown that even moderate physical activity improves survival. The study reported in JAMA 2005;293:2479-2486,looked at breast cancer survival and physical activity measured in Metabolic Equivalent Task (MET) hours. Three MET hours was equivalent to walking for one hour at between 2 and 2.9 mph. Women who exercised for 3 to 8.9 MET hours per week had a 20% lower death rate, whereas those who exercised for 9 to 14.9 MET hours weekly had a 50% lower death rate. Those are impressive numbers, and if a new drug could achieve such results, it would be flying off the shelves.
You are on the right track. You have had the most appropriate surgery for risk reduction. Exercise is extremely important and I commend you for including exercise in your survivor lifestyle. It has been shown that even moderate physical activity improves survival. The study reported in JAMA 2005;293:2479-2486,looked at breast cancer survival and physical activity measured in Metabolic Equivalent Task (MET) hours. Three MET hours was equivalent to walking for one hour at between 2 and 2.9 mph. Women who exercised for 3 to 8.9 MET hours per week had a 20% lower death rate, whereas those who exercised for 9 to 14.9 MET hours weekly had a 50% lower death rate. Those are impressive numbers, and if a new drug could achieve such results, it would be flying off the shelves.

Great question. "Automatic" implies knee-jerk, and, as with most patient-related issues, the answer is "it depends." BRCA positivity confers a lifetime risk of ovarian cancer of 25-40%. Oophorectomy is the best prevention for ovarian cancer, therefore oophorectomy should be discussed with and offered to all female carriers of a deleterious mutation. The prevention is not absolute however, and primary peritoneal cancer can still occur after prophylactic oophorectomy. The issue really is timing. When to do the procedure? Questions need to be asked. How old is the patient? Have they completed their family? Do they plan to have more children?
I counsel my patients who are carriers of deleterious mutations to have prophylactic oophorectomy by age 40. In the meantime, I advise regular bimanual pelvic examinations, transvaginal ultrasound exams and CA125 levels. Great question. "Automatic" implies knee-jerk, and, as with most patient-related issues, the answer is "it depends." BRCA positivity confers a lifetime risk of ovarian cancer of 25-40%. Oophorectomy is the best prevention for ovarian cancer, therefore oophorectomy should be discussed with and offered to all female carriers of a deleterious mutation. The prevention is not absolute however, and primary peritoneal cancer can still occur after prophylactic oophorectomy. The issue really is timing. When to do the procedure? Questions need to be asked. How old is the patient? Have they completed their family? Do they plan to have more children?
I counsel my patients who are carriers of deleterious mutations to have prophylactic oophorectomy by age 40. In the meantime, I advise regular bimanual pelvic examinations, transvaginal ultrasound exams and CA125 levels.

Yes, I also had a preventative hysterectomy/oophorectomy. I am also being monitored quite closely. Then, of course, there are the life style things we all should be doing anyway; eating healthy, exercising, maintaining a healthy weight. Sound familiar? I think I've done about all I can now to prevent another cancer or a recurrence. Yes, I also had a preventative hysterectomy/oophorectomy. I am also being monitored quite closely. Then, of course, there are the life style things we all should be doing anyway; eating healthy, exercising, maintaining a healthy weight. Sound familiar? I think I've done about all I can now to prevent another cancer or a recurrence.

As a woman, some of the risk factors you can control to decrease your chance of breast cancer are:
- Controlling your weight
- A nutritious well-balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, grains, and lots of fluid.
- Sticking to a regular exercise routine that includes employing weights, stretching, and aerobic exercise.
- Limiting the amount of alcohol that is consumed.
- Limiting estrogen and oral contraceptives.
- Trying to reduce anxiety and stress in everyday life. As a woman, some of the risk factors you can control to decrease your chance of breast cancer are:
- Controlling your weight
- A nutritious well-balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, grains, and lots of fluid.
- Sticking to a regular exercise routine that includes employing weights, stretching, and aerobic exercise.
- Limiting the amount of alcohol that is consumed.
- Limiting estrogen and oral contraceptives.
- Trying to reduce anxiety and stress in everyday life.

As a woman, some of the risk factors you can control to decrease your chance of breast cancer are:
- Controlling your weight
- A nutritious well-balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, grains, and lots of fluid.
- Sticking to a regular exercise routine that includes employing weights, stretching, and aerobic exercise.
- Limiting the amount of alcohol that is consumed.
- Limiting estrogen and oral contraceptives.
- Trying to reduce anxiety and stress in everyday life. As a woman, some of the risk factors you can control to decrease your chance of breast cancer are:
- Controlling your weight
- A nutritious well-balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, grains, and lots of fluid.
- Sticking to a regular exercise routine that includes employing weights, stretching, and aerobic exercise.
- Limiting the amount of alcohol that is consumed.
- Limiting estrogen and oral contraceptives.
- Trying to reduce anxiety and stress in everyday life.

30% of all breast cancers are lifestyle related, so one of the best ways to reduce risk is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. What is a healthy lifestyle and what specifically can you do that can lower your risk? Please view the following blog posts for a few suggestions.

http://elynjacobs.blogspot.com/2011/04/tips-for-anit-cancer-lifestyle.html
http://elynjacobs.blogspot.com/2011_01_01_archive.html
http://elynjacobs.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2010-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&updated-max=2011-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=4
http://elynjacobs.blogspot.com/2010/12/avoiding-cancer-one-vegetable-at-time.html 30% of all breast cancers are lifestyle related, so one of the best ways to reduce risk is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. What is a healthy lifestyle and what specifically can you do that can lower your risk? Please view the following blog posts for a few suggestions.

http://elynjacobs.blogspot.com/2011/04/tips-for-anit-cancer-lifestyle.html
http://elynjacobs.blogspot.com/2011_01_01_archive.html
http://elynjacobs.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2010-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&updated-max=2011-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=4
http://elynjacobs.blogspot.com/2010/12/avoiding-cancer-one-vegetable-at-time.html