Breast Cancer Awareness Month- Part #3
Picture by mcconnell6-806716-www.sxc.hu
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and its purpose is to educate everyone on this particular type of cancer that effects millions of women every year.
Here are some more of the risks factors and what you can do about them.
Risk #7: The National Cancer Institute found that women who consumed the most fat of any type were at a 15% higher risk of getting breast cancer than women who ate the least fat.
What you can do: Whether you are overweight or not, take a candid look at what you eat on a daily basis and make sure that your fat intake is % of your total food. Avoid saturated and trans fats and eat healthy fats such as olive oil and omega-3s, but make sure that the majority of your diet is coming from vegetables, whole grains, fruit, and lean meats. Many of vegetables and fruits contain antioxidants that reduce your risk of all cancers and many other diseases.
Risk #8: Research has shown a strong link between using Hormone Replacement Therapy and breast cancer in post-menopausal women.
What you can do: If you are using or planning to use Hormone Replacement Therapy be sure to research your option thoroughly including used alternative medicine.
Risk #9: If your breast tissue is considered to be high density (more tissue than fat) then you are at a 3-6 times higher risk of breast cancer.
What you can do: Make sure to get a yearly mammogram after age 35-40, and digital mammograms may be more effective in detecting early stages of cancer in high density breasts than standard mammograms. Ultrasound and MRI technology may also help in early detection.
Hopefully these tips will help you be more aware of the risks and what you can do to minimize your chances of developing breast cancer.
See Part #1 & Part #2 of this topic.
Some of this information comes from the Susan G Komen website
More info at www.breastcancer.org
See the Discussing Breast Cancer Blog for much more information.
Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Susan G Komen, Breast Cancer Risks
November 12th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
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