October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Breast cancer is the leading cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death among women.  It is estimated that well over 250,000 new cases of invasive cancer will be diagnosed in women in the United States in 2019.  Sadly, more than 40,000 are expected to die from breast cancer this year.  Although it is not commonly known, breast cancer affects men as well.  Over 2500 men will be diagnosed with invasive cancer and 500 are estimated to die in 2019.  As you can see, the number for women affected is much, much greater.

There are controllable factors and uncontrollable ones.  There are controversial contributors and others that are more absolute.

Genetics are major factors in who develops abnormal breast cancer cells.  Obviously, genetics are factors that are predetermined.  Aging is inevitable and chronologically cannot be reversed.  Your ethnicity (ultimately part of genetics), and the environment that you grow up in are also uncontrollable factors.

Synthetic hormones like those in birth control and hormone replacement therapy have been controversially linked to breast cancer.   Women are subjected to making decisions based on risk factors and other life and health issues.  But synthetic hormones are not only produced in pharmaceuticals, they are also injecting in livestock.  Injecting livestock causes animals to grow bigger and faster.  Of course, it is then transferred to the livestock’s’ milk.  Mostly, the controversy then lies in the amount of hormone that is considered safe.

Another controversial topic is soy.  Isoflavones are plant estrogens.  High doses of isoflavones have been linked to an increased risk of cancer.  However, food sources of soy do not contain high amounts of isoflavones.  Therefore, one or two servings of a day like tofu, or edamame, is believed by most, not to increase cancer risk.

It has been proven that lifestyle plays a role in prevention, treatment, and recovery.  Maintaining a healthy weight, a diet rich with nutrients from fruits and vegetables provide protection for prevention and healing.  Reducing white flour and sugar products are recommended.

Exercise is also considered extremely important.  When in treatment and recovery, work with your healthcare provider to have a plan that is right for you.

Education and early detection have proven to be beneficial.  There has been a reduction in the number of cases and deaths in the past twenty years.

Some additional suggestions that have been suggested for prevention, treatment, and recovery include:

  • Consuming hormone and organic, cage-free meats
  • Select paraben-free products
  • Avoid alcohol or minimize usage
  • Breastfeed your children