|
Understanding Breast Cancer |
|
|
|
|
Articles, How-To's and Interviews -
Spirit and Spa
|
|
Written by Dr. Rita Louise
|
Our body is made up thousands of cells that differ in size, shape and function. Controlled by our DNA, each cell is programmed to perform certain tasks and after a specified period of time - die. This is normally done in an orderly manner. However, if our cells are exposed to carcinogens, viruses or ionizing radiation, for example, the DNA can become damaged creating havoc with this once orderly process. Said another way, if the rate of new cell growth in the body overcomes the rate of cell death, tumors can develop. If these cells invade and destroy surrounding normal tissues, the abnormal cell growth is considered to be cancerous.
In the US, breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women between the ages of 30 and 50. Rarely diagnosed before a woman reaches 25, the number of incidents rises with age, peaking at menopause and decreasing once menopause had passed. About 182,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year and about 40% of those diagnosed die within 10 years. Scientists believe these numbers are increasing.
Overwhelming evidence into the cause of breast cancer suggests the
female hormone estrogen plays a central role in this disease. Studies
indicate that estrogen stimulates the cells of the breast to form
cancerous cells. Thus a prolonged uninterrupted presence of high
estrogen levels in the body may predispose a woman to breast cancer.
These studies also indicate the less time a woman is exposed to her own
reproductive hormones, the lower her risk of developing breast cancer
is. This includes women who enter menses at a later age as well as
women who enter menopause, both naturally and artificially, before the
age of 45. Pregnancy, breast feeding, physical activity, a low fat,
high fiber diet also helps to reduce the amount of estrogen flowing
through the body.
Additional risk factors for developing breast cancer include a family
history of breast cancer. If your mother, sister or aunt was diagnosed
with breast cancer, it may indicate a genetic predisposition to this
disease. Women who have not had children or women who did not have
their first child until after the age of 30 have been identified as
having a two to five times greater risk. Women who take birth control
pill or utilize estrogen replacement therapy after menopause are also
at a greater risk. Other factors that can increase your chances of
getting breast cancer include: weight, dietary fat intake, alcohol
consumption, dietary deficiencies and certain types of fibrocystic
breast disease.
Recommendations For Wellness
Do monthly breast self-examination. If you don’t know how, ask your
gynecologist. I’m sure he or she will be happy to show you how. If
you are over 40, it is recommended that you get a mammogram and begin a
regular screening program.
Get rid of your under wire bras. Under wire bras don’t cause breast
cancer, however, they do restrict the flow of lymph in the breast
tissue thus allowing toxins and waste products to build up.
If it is possible, have your babies earlier than later. Having your
first child before the age of 30 will help reduce your risk. Breast
feeding your child for 6-8 months will reduce your risk even further.
Think twice before taking birth control pills as a form of contraception or for menstrual irregularities.
Reduce your fat intake. Studies have shown that women who eat a
low-fat, high fiber diet have lower estrogen levels than women that
don’t.
Eat soy! Soy has been shown to block the type of estrogen involved in
the formation of breast cancer. Note: If you suffer from
hypothyroidism, soy may reduce thyroid hormone levels.
Nutritional deficiencies weaken the bodies systems. Begin a diet
filled with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition, make
sure you take a high quality vitamin and mineral supplement to ensure
your body is getting all of the nutrition it needs.
Barley Greens and Nature’s Sunshine’s Immune Stimulator can be used to strengthen the body and support the immune system.
Do a liver cleanse! The liver is responsible for breaking down
hormones that have served their function and eliminating them from the
body. Use herbs such as milk thistle, dandelion root or burdock to
keep your liver healthy.
Indole-3 carbinol is found in cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower,
broccoli, brussel sprouts). It has been shown to reduce the amount of
the carcinogenetic forms of estrogen and increase the good kinds of
estrogen in the body.
Essiac Tea is popularly used as an additional supplement to support the immune system of individuals suffering from cancer.
In preliminary studies paw paw twig extracts have be used to inhibit
the growth of cancer cells. In one study, some breast cancer patients
experienced partial or complete tumor reduction. Talk to your health
care provider before taking this supplement. It should not be taken
with a number of other supplements such as antioxidant products and
Co-Q10. If you have Parkinson’s Disease, you should not take this
substance.
© Copyright Body, Mind & SoulHealer 2005. All rights reserved.
Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Rita Louise, Ph.D. is the author of the
books “Avoiding the Cosmic 2x4” and “The Power Within”. It is her
unique gift as a medical intuitive and clairvoyant that illuminates and
enlivens her work. Let Dr. Louise help you bring health healing and
wholeness back into your life. Medical Intuition & Energy Medicine
Certification training classes are now forming. Visit
http://www.soulhealer.com or call (972) 475-3393 for more information.
Special Note: In October, DivaTribe is donating 10% of all sales in the store to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. DivaTribe has also compiled a Breast Cancer Shopping Guide, highlighting woman-owned businesses that are raising money for breast cancer research.
|
