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Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2009: Prevention
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If you’ve noticed the little pink ribbons popping up everywhere, you know by now that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The second most common type of cancer, most people’s lives have been touched by this disease. Early detection is crucial for survival. Hence, we devote an entire month to raising awareness.
Risk factors include family history, sex (women are 100 times more likely to get it than men), age, childbearing, hormones, a high-fat diet, alcohol intake, obesity and environmental factors such as tobacco use, radiation and endocrine disruptors.
Although there is no known cause that can be pinpointed for most breast cancer cases, there is still plenty we can do to slash our risk. It’s never too late or too soon to take a proactive approach to your wellness, whether you are in high school or enjoying your golden years. Forming good habits will serve you in the long and short run, so why wait another day?
A few breast cancer prevention tips:
1. Eat a colorful variety of fresh, seasonal, organic fruits and vegetables. It seems as though every day a new study is released touting the cancer-fighting properties of another piece of produce. You can’t go wrong as long as you eat enough fruits and veggies, and you maintain diversity in your choices. However, if you’d like to learn more, “The Breast Cancer Prevention Diet” by Robert Arnot, M.D. contains a wealth of information on the subject.
2. Move your body. Women who are not physically active throughout their life have an increased risk. After a proper diet, exercise is the easiest way to maintain good health. Unfortunately, many people have a mental block against both a proper diet and exercising. If this is you, commit to one day when you will exercise and eat healthfully. You may be surprised at how good you feel.
3. Cut back on alcohol. This one can be tough, especially for those who may be peer pressured into binge drinking, or who rely on alcohol as a crutch in social situations. Don’t expect to go cold turkey overnight. Instead, try having one less drink this weekend. Slowly decrease your intake until you are satisfied with a glass of wine, or two. Find new social outlets that do not involve a massive hangover. Spend more time with your family. Expand your circle of friends.
4. Stop smoking. Thought that lung cancer was the only one you can get from smoking? Think again. If you’ve tried with no success, try again. Forget any assumed constraints - your past failure does not translate into future failure. The past is over and the future holds new promise. This time, you will be stronger. The power of positive thinking cannot be underrated. If the patch and gum do not work, try hypnosis, herbal therapy or counseling. And above all, never give up.
5. Stress less and sleep more. Too many people do not acknowledge the toll that stress has on their bodies. In fact, mental anguish can eat away at you with greater ferocity than any toxic environment. So, focus on what really gives your life meaning. Nurture healthy relationships and cut off unhealthy relationships. Don’t forget that you leave this world the same way you came into it, with nothing. Money comes and goes, but your health is priceless.
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