Nope, not referring to the British Broadcasting Corporation. Try this one on – “Before Breast Cancer!” Let’s get serious about PREVENTION!
Okay, we’re all seeing it –“Breast Cancer Awareness” month. Awareness is a good thing, but as a breast cancer survivor it bothers me that PREVENTION isn’t at the top of the list. Research and shopping to support research for a cure is a noble idea but how can we personally empower ourselves to minimize getting a breast cancer diagnosis to begin with? It’s physically, emotionally and financially sounder to PREVENT disease, right?! Any disease, for that matter. Okay so as a 14-year survivor and after years of learning what I would have done differently, here are my top 3 easy tips for PREVENTION.
Many of us have heard of the KISS theory-“Keep it Simple, Stupid” but it not’s not meant to imply that any of us are stupid, it’s more the notion to make something uncomplicated for the average person. So here it is, my simple list of 3 easy ways to reduce your risk of a breast cancer diagnosis.
Getting baseline blood work can alert your integrative doctor to jumping on your health in advance.
1. Please, especially if you’re a woman in your 30s, get a full hormone baseline test that includes thyroid, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone levels and vitamin D levels.*
Did you know that 80% of breast cancer diagnoses are estrogen positive which means that you have too much estrogen in your body. If progesterone levels don’t stay in balance with your estrogen, you could be increasing your risk for a breast cancer diagnosis. Low vitamin D has also been linked to breast cancer. Please find an integrative doctor that can prescribe these blood tests; the results will provide an excellent baseline for you for years to come but could also save your life. In one’s 30s hormone levels really start to shift.
*Recommended thyroid tests are: free t3, free t4, reverse t3 and t3 uptake.
It is SO important to read labels now, and be aware of “parabens” of any type.
2. Please pay attention to what you put ON your body. Parabens are known to mimic estrogen and thus put you at an estrogen-dominant risk. MANY body lotions and personal care products are made with parabens, or preservatives to give them longer shelf life. Check out the labels and you’ll be surprised at how many ingredients end in “paraben.” And if you want, check out my post on parabens: Click here.
The Environmental Working Group also lists personal care products by making it easy for the everyday reader.
3. Please pay attention to what you put IN your body. I’m not saying you need to buy everything organic but please get familiar with the Dirty Dozen list of fruits and vegetables that contain the highest levels of pesticides. Click on the graphic to print your own copy to keep in your bag (or car) when you go shopping.
And watch your canned food purchases, especially soups. Many cans contain the chemical BPA, which has been linked to cancer and reproductive issues. See the link in my sources below-
Of course, there are other steps you can take and just check out my blog posts for help but these are my 3 BIGGIES!
Let’s spread the word readers, PREVENTION! Too many dollars are being collected for research and we still don’t have cures. It’s a profitable business. (my humble opinion)
How about making it more about NOT being diagnosed to begin with. We all have the ability to take control of our health and with a little knowledge, we can live healthy lives, free of disease. Please share with your loved ones and let this be the movement.
My Previous Posts re: Breast Cancer Prevention
The Perfect Storm Theory of Breast Cancer and Iodine Deficiency
Breast Cancer: Recovery and Creation
Prevention, Healing and Tips!
Women’s Hormones: A Delicate Balancing Act
The Super Power of Women’s Hormones!
Peace and Prevention for Good Health!
Sources:
Types of Breast Cancer
https://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/guide/breast-cancer-types-er-positive-her2-positive#1
Environmental Working Group-Personal Care Products
http://www.ewg.org/research/healthy-home-tips/tip-1-know-ingredients-your-personal-care-products#.We4QMUzMyL8
Environmental Working Group-Dirty Dozen
https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary.php#.We4PoEzMyL8
BPA Is Still Present in 60% of Cans in the U.S.: Study
http://time.com/4275601/bpa-replacement-canned-food/
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OCT
