Breast Cancer Prevention Tips

By Michael Russell

Despite all the 'noise' about breast cancer being one of the worst
killers of women in the world today, it is annoying that most women
still do not take active steps towards protecting themselves from this
dreaded condition. Although, the increasing prevalence of breast cancer
and perhaps other cancerous conditions has been linked to environmental
factors such as the increasing levels of radiation and chemicals released
into the air, water, soil and food that we consume in the civilized
world; or to genetic and hereditary factors, the role of other self
imposed factors cannot be ignored.

There are a lot of things every woman
can do individually or collectively, to prevent breast cancer. Poor
lifestyle choices, such as smoking and
excessive alcohol consumption, lack of exercise or ingestion or hormone
mimicking medications, all play crucial roles in the cause of breast
cancer and any attempt at preventing this disease should begin from
here.

A simple positive and optimistic attitude has been shown to reduce
the risk of cancer. This will sound amazing to many people; however,
it will suffice to explain that several medical studies have demonstrated
the link between a positive attitude and an improved immune system.
Laughter and humor has been shown to enhance the body's immunity and
prevents against cancer and other diseases. You must have heard the
slogan 'happy people don't fall sick'. Part of maintaining a positive
attitude is learning to express your feelings. The mind is free and
open and energy flows freely throughout the body when there are no
accumulated pains and anxieties weighing you down.

Exercise is another tool that you will find very useful in your fight
against breast cancer. Aerobic exercises, at least 3-4 times a week,
constant breath work and deep body awareness (as in yoga meditation)
are all effective in preventing breast cancer. Exercise has been shown
to be very effective in maintaining a healthy body and mind. By exercising
regularly, you will do yourself a great favour, because you will not
only be preventing breast cancer, you will also be making it easier
to maintain a sound mind and healthy body.

Eating healthy food is another great tool in preventing breast cancer.
A great deal of cancers are caused by the chemicals and preservatives
in the food we eat. Most genetically modified foods (GMO) i.e. food
materials that were enhanced in the laboratory, are known to pose serious
health dangers to consumers. Also, the hormone mimicking substances
in contraceptive pills and other prescription pills could predispose
you to cancerous growth. Thus, taking the right supplements could also
be an effective tool in the fight against breast cancer.

Besides all these, self examination of the breast regularly is the
number one means of detecting any changes in the breast. It is advisable
to examine the breast at the same time every month; this will make
it easier to spot any changes in the shape, color or texture of the
breast. Common signs or changes to look out for are: lumps, thickening
or knots anywhere in the breast, unusual swelling or warmth, change
in size, color or texture such as reddening or darkening of the breast,
itching or scaling especially on the nipple, sudden discharge, rashes,
dimpling of the skin or unusual pain. Although, most of these changes
might not be a sign of impending breast cancer, however, you never
can tell. Forget all what you have heard, it is still possible to prevent
breast cancer.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Breast Cancer.