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Dear Readers, MG is a 34-year-old lady who writes us from a Portmore address. M is depressed and stressed out as she suffers along with her mother who is being treated for breast cancer. Her grandmother also had this disease and was treated for it in the United States of America. M says that her mother didn't follow up fully on her cancer treatment from some years ago and now the disease is back in her second breast. She tells Lifeline that the doctors say that it is not a recurrence of the cancer but is a new cancer all over again. M has done her breast mammogram and breast ultrasound tests, which show no sign of cancer at this time, however, she is very worried that she may be next in line for this disease. M asks Lifeline what can she do to try to prevent breast cancer. Understanding lifestyle factors that influence breast cancer is key to a woman taking control of breast cancer prevention. There are many factors in daily life that are under our control to alter. A healthy lifestyle plan is the first step: Avoid alcohol. The more you drink the greater your likelihood of developing breast cancer. And this includes beer and wine! Get regular exercise. Exercise often. Exercise can act as a cancer preventative. Avoid obesity. Being overweight increases the risk of breast cancer, especially if the weight gain occurs after menopause. Being overweight is also thought to be a risk factor for breast cancer recurring in the same person. One study showed that the risk of breast cancer increases in a woman with every pound she gains after age 18! Breastfeed your babies. There is a direct link between not breastfeeding and the occurrence of breast cancer. Avoid long-term post-menopausal hormonal therapy. This is linked with an increased incidence of breast cancer. Avoid exposure to environmental chemicals and pollutants. It is thought that car exhaust fumes are linked to increased incidences of cancer, including breast cancer. Some chemicals in cosmetics (lipsticks and moisturisers) are thought to interfere with hormone production. The chemicals to watch out for are PARABENS which are also present in some hair care products and deodorants. Eat a healthy diet. It prevents other disorders and helps to avoid obesity. A diet which is low in fat content and processed foods and high in fibre, lean meats, fresh fruits and vegetables is one which will help keep cancer away. Do breast self-examination monthly. The key to best survival with breast cancer is EARLY diagnosis. Any lumps or palpable changes should be brought to a physicians' attention.
Do the screening tests for breast cancer, the mammogram and breast ultra sound tests at regular intervals, which will depend on the current age of the person and their risk for the disease. Risk factors for breast cancer include: A family history of breast cancer, especially if it's occurring in a mother, sisters or daughters. About five to 10 per cent of breast cancer is thought to be hereditary Early onset of monthly menses Late onset of childbearing (that is, having the first child after age 30) Never birthing children at all Age. The older a female is, the greater the risk of breast cancer Benign breasts lumps are a risk for breast cancer Genetic testing for gene mutations, which leads to breast cancer, is available in the USA but is quite expensive. A woman is more likely to have an abnormal gene for breast cancer if she has close blood relatives who were diagnosed before age 50 years or if there is ovarian cancer also previously diagnosed in a family member. Breast cancer is curable when discovered early. Studies show that survival with Stage 1 breast cancer is nearly 100 per cent! If a family member has breast cancer there is no excuse for female relatives to avoid screening for this disease. And, once treatment of this disease is started, to default on the treatment can only lead to complications which are possibly life threatening. However, as we love to say "where there is life, there is hope" so we wish M's mum the very best as she presses on with her therapy. There is another saying , which is "better late than never"! Write to: LIFELINE PO Box 1731 KGN 8 AJM
Do the screening tests for breast cancer, the mammogram and breast ultra sound tests at regular intervals, which will depend on the current age of the person and their risk for the disease. Risk factors for breast cancer include: A family history of breast cancer, especially if it's occurring in a mother, sisters or daughters. About five to 10 per cent of breast cancer is thought to be hereditary Early onset of monthly menses Late onset of childbearing (that is, having the first child after age 30) Never birthing children at all Age. The older a female is, the greater the risk of breast cancer Benign breasts lumps are a risk for breast cancer Genetic testing for gene mutations, which leads to breast cancer, is available in the USA but is quite expensive. A woman is more likely to have an abnormal gene for breast cancer if she has close blood relatives who were diagnosed before age 50 years or if there is ovarian cancer also previously diagnosed in a family member. Breast cancer is curable when discovered early. Studies show that survival with Stage 1 breast cancer is nearly 100 per cent! If a family member has breast cancer there is no excuse for female relatives to avoid screening for this disease. And, once treatment of this disease is started, to default on the treatment can only lead to complications which are possibly life threatening. However, as we love to say "where there is life, there is hope" so we wish M's mum the very best as she presses on with her therapy. There is another saying , which is "better late than never"! Write to: LIFELINE PO Box 1731 KGN 8 AJM
