Natural Breast Cancer Prevention

Breast Cancer Facts.
* Every two minutes a woman in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2005, it is estimated that about 212,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed, along with 58,000 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer. And 40,000 women are expected to die from this disease.
* Breast cancer incidence in women has increased from one in 20 in 1960 to one in seven today.
* Although over 75% of cases of breast cancer develop in women 50 years and older, younger women can develop the disease. In addition, in younger women breast cancers are likely to be larger and more aggressive than in older women.

Before you start taking Premarin, Prempro or any other synthetic hormones, carefully consider the harmful effects on women's health. The large-scale Women's Health Initiative study released in 2002 showed that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was linked to substantial increases in the risk of developing breast cancer, heart disease, strokes and blood clots. Additionally, when estrogen is prescribed alone, it can increase the risk of ovarian cancer.

The most recent arm of the Women’s Health Initiative study, released in May 2003, adds to already damning 2002 studies of the effects of hormone replacement therapy. New research shows that women on synthetic hormones like Premarin and Prempro are at double the risk for Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia.

A Natural Approach To Fighting Breast Cancer.
Other than avoiding synthetic hormones such as Premarin, etc., how can women be proactive in breast cancer prevention? One easy step to take is to avoid a high fat diet. One of the most important breast cancer prevention measures is to watch your fat intake. Avoid saturated fat from meat and other animal source foods and processed hydrogenated fats that contain harmful trans-fatty acids. Limit use of vegetable oils, as their omega-6 fatty acids stimulate tumor growth. Most Americans eat a diet too high in fat and calories, and too low in fruits, vegetables, and fiber.

The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends the following dietary guidelines for reducing overall cancer risk:
- Total intake of dietary far should be less than 30 percent - and saturated fat less than 10 percent - of your total calories for breast cancer prevention.
- Increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Look for nutrient packed foods like berries, flaxseed, dark leafy greens, green tea, and garlic. Take daily supplements of antioxidant C and E, and selenium.
- Salt-cured, salt pickled, and smoked foods only in moderation.
- Alcoholic beverages only in moderation. Best to avoid totally.
- Start an exercise program
- Studies indicate that women with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their breast tissue have a reduced risk of breast cancer. In women who already have breast cancer, a low level of the important fat is a major determinant of the spread of cancer beyond the breast.

So the next step to be proactive in breast cancer prevention seems to be an oxymoron - load up on good fats - the protective omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and flaxseed. The fish should be cold-water varieties such as wild caught salmon (avoid farm raised salmon fed antibiotics and artificially colored) eaten several times a week.

Alternatives To Omega-3 Intake.
Not a fish person? Well then, try flaxseed. Flaxseed does turn rancid quickly, so use freshly ground and keep it in the refrigerator - or grind your own in a coffee grinder. Ann Louise Gittleman, author of The Fat Flush Plan and The Living Beauty Detox Program, recommends what she calls a life-long cocktail - 4 oz pure cranberry juice (no added sugar or other juices), 4 oz. water and 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed twice daily. Believe it or not, it actually tastes good. Other uses are to sprinkle on cereal, soups, or salads. Use your imagination.

Or follow the advice of Dr. Johanna Budwig Ph.D., seven times nominated for the Nobel Prize in medicine for her research with flaxseed oil. She recommends 1 tablespoon of a high quality, fresh flaxseed oil like Barleans brand mixed with a protein like 2 tablespoons of cottage cheese taken daily. Mixing the flaxseed oil with protein makes it both oil and water soluble carrying it to every cell in your body. Again, this actually tastes quite good. Dr. Budwig has had extraordinary success treating cancers with this simple therapy alone. Her research also demonstrated a reduction of other conditions like arthritis and heart disease.
A final option would be to supplement with two 1,000 milligram fish oil capsules daily.

Phytonutrients.
Add more plant foods to your daily regimen. Plant foods are nature's storehouses of protective phytonutrients - compounds in plants that protect them from the harmful effects of such environmental factors as sunlight, insects, pollution and fungi. They exert similar protective effects in humans.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are loaded with phytonutrients. Some of the more important for breast cancer prevention are the cruciferous varieties. Cruciferous varieties include: broccoli, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, mustard greens, rutabagas, and turnips.

About The Author:
Merilou Athens-Barnekow is the owner of the Woman's Menopause Health Center, http://www.womens-menopause-health.com/, an online retail store featuring natural hormone replacement therapy products, up-to-date health breast cancer health information, exercises and a discussion forum.