Breast Cancer Awareness Month: What Every Woman Needs to Know
BodyLogicMD Celebrates 25 Years of Breast Cancer Awareness and Prevention
October, 2011 -This October, the American Cancer Society celebrates the 25th commemoration of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month – a month-long campaign aimed at increasing breast cancer awareness and urging women everywhere to take preventive steps to reduce their risk of developing the disease. For many women, breast cancer is the most frightening disease of all – primarily because there is only so much that women can do to prevent it. But according to Dr. Jennifer Landa, Chief Medical Officer of BodyLogicMD, while women may not be able to do much about their age, race, ethnicity or other non-modifiable risk factors, there is plenty that can be done to optimize their overall health and improve their odds against breast cancer.
In 2011 alone, the National Institutes of Health reported over 230,000 new cases of breast cancer and over 40,000 breast cancer related deaths. The National Cancer Institute estimates that 12.2 percent of the women born today will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
“Although the numbers are somewhat improving, thanks to treatment advances and early detection through screening and heightened awareness, breast cancer still stands as the most common cancer affecting women,” stresses bioidentical hormones expert Dr. Jennifer Landa. “While it may be impossible to eliminate all risk completely, studies have shown that women who eat right and exercise regularly can slash their cancer risk in half.”
Some of Dr. Landa’s suggestions for breast cancer prevention include:
- Eat healthy. Shop the outer perimeter of the grocery store. Most of the things you’ll find in the center aisles of the store are classified as “junk foods.” Many of these junk foods are laden with artificial ingredients and hormone-mimicking chemicals that can disrupt natural hormone balance and increase the likelihood of estrogen-sensitive cancers. By shopping the outer perimeter, you’ll find more healthful choices.
- Stay active. Exercise isn’t just about looking good in a bikini; it’s about maintaining optimal health, adding years onto your life and holding on to the ones you have left. Your body is your temple and if you don’t give it the physical activity that it needs, it will turn on you. Women who are obese or overweight are much more likely to develop diseases such as cancer.
- Get tested. Screening methods have improved significantly over the years and early detection has proven to be a huge factor of survival. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that women over the age of 40 undergo annual mammograms and younger women in their 20s and 30s are urged to undergo clinical breast exams once every three years. Many women often neglect mammogram screenings after menopause because they think that they’re hormonally balanced. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Hormonal fluctuations can occur long after menopause and many doctors recommend that women should continue regular mammograms well into their 60’s, 70’s and beyond.
“As a woman, it’s important to be aware of your body, and of your risk,” says Dr. Landa. “Don’t wait until it’s too late and don’t think that it can’t happen to you. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and does not discriminate. A breast self-exam (BSE) takes only 15 minutes of your time and can make a world of a difference in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.”
