As the month of October draws to an end, let us wrap up this series of articles on breast cancer. I was wondering what to write about when I came across an article which urged people to re-examine their lifestyle as a means to prevent breast cancer. The fact of the matter is that many experts say that there really is no clear cut way to prevent breast cancer. However, a recent study seems to have found some details that may shed a new light on the matter.
According to breast surgeon Trevor Smith, a change in lifestyle may actually help prevent breast cancer. He urges everyone to pay more attention to the link between breast cancer and lifestyle. Stuff, a New Zealand web site, ran this story today:
Hundreds of published studies identified risk factors which people can easily control and the challenge is to motivate people to want to change, Dr Smith says.
Healthy nutrition should be more plant-based and less processed and energy dense. A binge drinking culture contributes to the risk and alcohol should be limited to one drink a day.
He says he is not trying to promote elimination but moderation. Limiting alcohol is not a popular message, but drinking alcohol daily increases the risk by 10 percent.
“Every bit you do is an investment in your health.”
From the age of 30 women should get an annual breast check and by the age of 40 be having mammograms.
The book, called Breast Care, was launched two months ago, providing a new approach presented in a positive way, he says.
Though his ideas have not gained much ground as of yet, I am inclined to take up for his advice. Again, it wouldn’t hurt to examine one’s lifestyle, would it?
Originally posted on October 30, 2008 @ 12:06 am