Cancer and You
1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives. Depending on your family history and lifestyle, your chances of a diagnosis can increase or decrease. It is important to learn all you can about this disease including the latest information and treatment options. Many things have changed over the last decade and women are living longer, more productive lives even after a breast cancer diagnosis. I hope to provide you with some valuable information to help you move forward with your diagnosis or hopefully, avoiding one…
What to believe…
- Regular check-ups with your doctor are important to early detection because they can be found before symptoms arise.
- Self exams every month to check for any changes in breast tissue.
- Regular exercise. Evidence is growing that physical activity in the form of exercise reduces breast cancer risk
- Keeping track of your daily food intake in a journal is proven to help in weight loss. Healthy body weight is an important part of cancer prevention. Being overweight or obese has been found to increase breast cancer risk, especially for women after menopause
- Kicking the habit. Whether it be smoking, drinking or any other unhealthy habit, now is the time to commit to quit. Consumption of alcohol is clearly linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed.
The Rumors…
- Have you heard that chemicals in antiperspirants can cause breast cancer by being absorbed into the skin and interfering with lymph systems? Well, this rumor has no scientific basis! I don’t reapply deodorant late in the day, or if I shower in the evening after the gym, I won’t put any on since I am going to bed soon and will put some on the next morning. But for the most part, don’t worry and keep smelling good.
- Wearing a bra can block lymph system flows. Also, unfounded. No research can support this finding. Typically women who do not wear bras are thinner which may contribute to these negative findings.
- Implants will cause breast cancer. In and of itself, not a true statement. With surgery can come scar tissue. Implants also obstruct the clear view of breast tissue but can be remedied by using special medical equipment.
So if you need the support, wear one.
The bottom line leads to open communication with your doctor. Discuss prevention, treatments, and possible effects of these treatments. Do your homework. It is your body and only you know what is best.
