It is predicted that about 230,000 women in the US
will get diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2011, and about 40,000 will die from
the disease. Besides for being a woman, age is the second highest risk factor
(1). Most women that receive the diagnose, develops the disease after
menopause which is linked to hormone changes in the body. Without the menstrual cycle the body no
longer produces progesterone in adequate amounts and allows the estrogen levels
to rise above preferred levels in comparison - a high risk factor for
developing Breast Cancer. Using natural progesterone cream is one way of preventing
the horrifying diagnose.(3)
Vitamin D also
has a crucial role in preventing Breast Cancer. We can see this in numbers that
shows there are less Breast Cancer diagnoses during the summer months, and that
Breast cancer more often hit women in the Northeast compared to the sunny
Southwest. The sunlight is our most important natural provider of vitamin D as
the body transforms the UV-radiation into Vitamin D in the skin. Studies have
shown that Vitamin D blood levels over 40ng/ml (100mmol/l) will lower the risk
of Breast Cancer with 30%. And many cancer centers today are giving patients 5,000
IU (125 mcg) of Vitamin D3 a day to boost their immune system.(2)
Get enough
sleep! Melatonin production has been linked to reduced risk of breast cancer.
Melatonin is a hormone that is being released while you are sleeping. However,
the hormone can only be produced under completely darkness, so sleeping with
the TV on or a light somewhere will inhibit the very important hormone from
being produced.(2)
While
there are many risk factors linked to developing Breast Cancer not much is said
about what affects the outcome. Many studies have shown that blood type is
highly linked to Breast Cancer outcome in the following matter:
Blood type O – Slightly degree of resistance, and lower risk of death
Blood type A – Higher risk, worse outcomes, and more rapid progression (Type A
is overly represented in Brest Cancer victims)
Blood type B – Slight degree of resistance, and lower risk of death unless
there is a family history of breast cancer, higher risk of recurrence
Blood type AB – Higher risk, worse outcomes, and more rapid progression(4)
General
recommendations on diets are often given in order to prevent Cancer and other
diseases. While we all need to eat more vegetables and fruits it is also
important to understand that not all ‘good’ food is good for everyone.
Different people thrive on different nutrition based on our genetic history;
food can either make your immune system stronger or weaker. To blindly following
a, for example: “no red meat and more whole wheat” recommendation can be
destructive for some, while wonderful for others.(4)
Men also
have a slight risk of developing breast cancer, although very uncommon. About 2,000
men is predicted to get the diagnose in the US in 2011 and most of them will be
between the age of 65 and 67. Men usually get the diagnose further into the
development of the disease as men are less likely to have it medically examined
as early as women does.(1)
Increasing
your awareness of breast cancer might save you from getting the dreaded diagnose,
or help you recover from it. Make sure you take advantage of the knowledge you
are given. __________________________________________
(1) Susan G. Komen for
the Cure, 2011
(2) Vitamin D Council, 2011
(3) Dr. John R. Lee M.D. “Hormone Balance Made Simple”, 2006
(4) Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo “Live Right For Your Type”, 2001
