Invest in Your Health

by Brandi Savitt - October 4th, 2012

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Last month I lost my brave and beautiful mother to breast cancer. I remember standing at my bedroom window in Brooklyn almost five years ago staring out over my neighbors' gardens when she told me the news over the phone. The doctors already knew that the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes. After her surgery, they confirmed that she had stage three estrogen/progesterone positive breast cancer, and there was a 70% of her cancer returning/spreading to a distant location in her body - even after chemo, radiation and hormone therapy. Three years later, it did…

What Are the Odds?

1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer within their lifetime, and these odds seem to be getting worse - not better. Breast cancer can happen at any age, at anytime, to any woman. And while the medical community strives to make advancements in treatment, the reality is that our best defense as women is a strong offense! Know this: a breast cancer diagnosis does not have to equal a death sentence. Early detection and doing what we can to reduce our risks are the keys to fighting off and curing this disease.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Need some more incentive to shed those extra 15 pounds? Well, maintaining a healthy weight is key to reducing your risk of breast cancer (or a recurrence), as well as many other chronic diseases. In many cases of breast cancer, estrogen is what fuels the growth of the cancer. Fat cells make and store estrogen. By losing weight, building muscle and reducing body fat, you will help lower the level of unnecessary estrogen in your body!

Exercise is Essential

Not only is exercise key to losing weight, maintaining it, and reducing your BMI, keeping fit also helps to boost your immune system. -Don't discount sweating out all those toxins too!

Eat Your Fruits & Veggies

A doctor told me recently that the rate of breast cancer in East Asian women, who eat a traditional diet, is extremely low compared to women in the West. However, when Asian women immigrate to the US or Europe, within in one generation, their risk of breast cancer is exactly the same as the rest of us.

The kinds of foods we eat and the quality of our food plays a major role in this disease - and many others. You should strive to eat a well balanced, mostly plant based diet, full of fruits and green and orange veggies. Eat organic, sustainable produce when you can. And if you do eat meat and dairy, think low fat, small portions and high quality! -A high-fat diet increases your cancer risk because fat triggers estrogen production that can fuel tumor growth.


C'mon Quit Smoking

We know it's an obvious one, but if you want to reduce your risk of ALL cancers - plus lung and heart related diseases - quit smoking!

Cut Back on the Cocktails

This is a surprising one, but a biggy! According to The National Breast Cancer Organization, one drink per day has been shown to possibly increase the risk of breast cancer. And having more than one drink per day, has shown an even more significant risk factor. No matter if it's wine, beer or a mixed drink, alcohol increases estrogen in your bloodstream. So be mindful and drink in moderation!

Curb Your Coffee Habit

While there is no direct link to coffee and breast cancer, your favorite morning beverage is linked to overall breast health. While delicious, coffee is also extremely acidic. Women with cystic breasts are advised to eliminate coffee from their diet, and when they do, their cysts typically shrink or disappear. Now we're not saying you have to give up your morning brew all together, but do supplement your caffeine addiction with a cup of green tea. This more alkaline and high in anti-oxidant elixir will perk you up - and many specialists believe it can actually help reduce the risk of breast cancer!

Early Detection Saves Lives!

Leading a healthy lifestyle and reducing your risk factors are crucial, but early detection is what will SAVE YOUR LIFE. 80% of tumors are found during self exams, but regular mammogram and ultra-sound testing are key to identifying early stage tumors - even before they can be felt.

Talk to your doctor about your family history, other risk factors, and a screening plan that is right for you. Even if you are 35 or

younger, talk to your doctor about getting a baseline screening early so there is a good comparison of what your breast tissue looks like before your yearly screenings begin. -Everyone should be getting yearly screenings by 40, and many doctors have lowered that age to 35.

Also talk to your doctor about getting an ultrasound at the time of your mammogram. If you have denser breast tissue, mammograms may not pick up small tumors. Getting both tests may be essential!

*In Loving Memory of Donna Jean Savitt

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