Breast cancer is the number one killer for women in most parts of the world. In countries like USA, the statistics are more frightening where about 184,000 new cases of breast cancer are detected annually. Research found that:
- Every 3 minutes, one woman is diagnosed with breast cancer (USA)
- Every 11 minutes, one woman dies from breast cancer (USA)
- Every year, 30,000 women and 200 men are diagnosed with breast cancer (UK)
- Among all races, Chinese have the highest record of getting breast cancer, followed by the Indians and then, Malays.
- Breast cancer formed 31.1% of newly diagnosed cancer cases in women from 2003 to 2005.
- A woman in Malaysia has a 1 in 20 chance of getting breast cancer in her lifetime.
- The cumulative life time risk of developing breast cancer among the races were: Chinese women (1 in 16), Indian women (1 in 17) and Malay women (1 in 28).
- Women between 50 to 59 years old have the highest risk of getting breast cancer.
What causes breast cancer?
The exact cause or causes of breast cancer remain unknown. However, there is a number of risk factors that increase a person's chance of getting this disease. Certain risk factors, such as age, are beyond our control; whereas others, like lifestyle, can be modified. Here are some of the causes of breast cancer:
Risk factors that are beyond our control:
- Gender- Simply being a woman is the main risk for breast cancer.
- Age- Women between 50 to 59 years old have the highest risk of getting breast cancer.
- Race- White women are slightly more likely to get breast cancer than are African-American women.
- Family history.
- Genetic mutations.
- Personal history of breast cancer.
- Menstrual period- Women who began having periods early (before age 12) or who went through the change of life (menopause) after the age of 55 have a slightly increased risk of breast cancer.
Risk factors that are within our control; Lifestyle:
- Recent use of birth control pills
- Not having children or having them after age 30
- Not breast-feeding
- Abuse of alcohol
- Overweight or obese
- Lack of or no exercise
- Unhealthy fat diet
- Use of antiperspirants
- Frequent use of bras especially at night to sleep
- Abortions
- Breast implants
- Cigarette smoking
- Pollution
- Working late hours
Diet and breast cancer
Research found that diet and food intake play an important role in the prevention of breast cancer. To prevent breast cancer, you should:
- Consume as many fruits and vegetables as possible. Eat fruits such as citrus, berries and cherries. Eat cruciferous vegetables (such as brocolli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower), dark lea (such as collards, kale, spinach), carrots and tomatoes.
- Take daily supplements. Scientists suggested that taking Vitamin D, Low GI (glycemic index) carbohydrates, Omega-3 fats, Flaxseed Oil and Vitamin E are effective to prevent breast cancer.
- Consume whole food soy products such as tofu and roasted soy nuts. Only consume organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) soy.
To be continued......
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