October
is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As this is a cause I feel strongly committed
to, I decided it’s time to pitch in and write about it. From the moment I wake up, there is so little time to reflect on anything. But after talking to many women - those who are working in offices and those who are at home, one thing is clear: women get no rest or "Me" time. It is your life, your body and your happiness. Make time for your health no matter what.
[Image Credit: Unsplash]
Breast Cancer: Early Detection, Exercise and Detecting Breast Density
Here
are seven facts you need to know about your breasts – and what you can do to
protect them
- Doctors say that early detection of breast cancer can improve the chances of survival by a whopping 99%. Start yearly breast check ups and mammograms. It is not enough to get cleared. Remember to follow up with your doctor on a regular basis.
2. This is one of the newest recommendations
from oncologists: Find out how dense your breasts are. How do you find out? Ask
the radiologist who is taking your mammogram to check your breast density. If
the density is low, follow up regularly. If it’s high, consult your doctor at
once.
3. Exercise alters oestrogen metabolism
and lowers a woman’s breast cancer risk. To protect yourself from breast cancer
and all cancers, doctors recommend 30 minutes of exercise for five days a week.
4. Women who consistently breast-feed for
the first six months have a reduced 10% risk of death from cancer. Why? Breast
feeding lowers the levels of oestrogen and progestin in a woman’s blood and increases
the level of oxytocin. After a substantial
period of breast feeding – 6 months to one year – the hormones together reduce
a woman’s risk of breast cancer.
5. Harvard researchers found that women
who had the highest cartenoid levels in their blood had a 19% lower risk of
blood cancer than those with the lowest levels. You can find cartenoids in
fruits and vegetables such as carrots, leafy greens and red bell peppers.
6. According to Ayurveda, turmeric has many medicinal benefits. Recent studies show that its key compound curcumin can kill cancer cells. So, add more of this powerful spice to your daily meals.
7. Surround yourself with positive energy or practice being quiet so that you can listen to your inner self. Find ways to improve whatever you like to do. Show love to yourself more than before. Find joy in little things – a walk in
the park, singing a song you love, being with the people who care about you and
don’t make you feel bad about yourself.
If you are contemplating breast cancer treatment, check my earlier post on 'How to choose your doctor and get your body confidence back.'
Don’t
let cancer make you bitter. Make it a learning experience to feel better, wise and happier. [Medical
inputs: Prevention Magazine October 2014]
Comments