Now that natural cancer treatments are becoming more popular, there will be a lot more discussion around how they can help reduce the risk of breast cancer. According to The World Health Organization, between 30 and 50% of all cancer cases are preventable. And prevention is considered to be the most cost-effective and best long-term strategy for the control of cancer.
Genetic Factors Pose a Low Risk
Even if you are someone with a family history of breast cancer, this doesn’t mean that you will develop it yourself. Research and evidence suggest that developing cancer can be a combination of both genetic and environmental factors. So, this means that there are lifestyle changes that can be made to help support the immune system and reduce the overall risk of Breast cancer. In fact, studies show that the biggest risk factor for developing breast cancer is age. Only 5% of people diagnosed with breast cancer have inherited the faulty BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene linked to breast cancer development.
Attend Breast Cancer Screenings
Breast cancer screening with mammography saves lives. It is one of the most important measures to take when it comes to breast cancer prevention. Yearly mammograms can begin for women from age 40, although it is recommended that woman starts from age 45. Once you reach 55, they are recommended every other year. Do you have any further questions about breast screening, prevention, or treatment and would like to talk to someone or find out more? Feel free to book a free consultation with a Budwig Therapist. There are also several health care services and resources available online and in the community that you can contact.
Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer – Keep Your Hormones Balanced
Breast cancer development has been linked to higher than normal levels of estrogen and progestin in the body for prolonged periods as a result of hormone therapy. As such, post-menopausal combination hormone therapy shouldn’t be taken for longer than 3-5 years. This also applies to birth control pills, as while women are taking the pills, they have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer. If you are worried about breast cancer risk, then it would be worth talking to your doctor about the alternatives to hormone therapy in both instances. Fortunately, there is a wide range of natural alternatives to hormone therapy available, such as St. John’s Wort, Maca, Black Cohosh, and red clover. And because there are so many available, you are even more likely to find one that works for you.
However, Due to the high amount of false positives with mammography, radiation, as well as the risk of a tumor bursting, the ideal tests are ultrasounds and thermographies. Ultrasounds show structure and thermography show temperature contrasts from inflammation, lymphatic, and circulatory activity. By using thermography, breast cancer risks can be detected up to 10 years sooner than using mammography. Interestingly, at the Budwig Center, we use the GSR scan to determine which remedy will help balance the hormones best in each person’s body. To learn more about thermography and the GSR scan contact us.
Environmental Factors
Here we should also speak about the importance of being cautious of dairy as well as animal fat and protein. Sadly, It’s becoming common practice that animals are no longer being raised in a natural environment by farmers. If animals are receiving hormone injections to grow faster, this will also alter the hormones of those who consume their meat.
Research has shown that BPA, a chemical found in plastics, is a contributor to a host of health problems, including hormonal issues.
Additionally, our endocrine system starts to regenerate at 10 pm so getting to bed a reasonable time is essential. Keeping our stress levels controlled is important too. We also want to have a healthy circulation in our lymphatic system as well as our shoulders. So the occasional shiatsu to address stiffness in the joints goes a long way in improving circulation to our lungs as well as breasts. Skin brushing and exercising improves the lymphatic activity and promotes proper draining of toxins.
We also recommend wearing bras that are too tight or restrictive for long periods. Too often, this would put us more at risk because they restrict healthy circulation in that area.
Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer – Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Maintaining a healthy weight, eating well, limiting alcohol consumption, and staying physically active are all worthy goals to pursue. Being overweight is another significant risk factor for cancer development, including breast cancer, and this is especially true after menopause.
Women who exercise for at least 30 minutes a day will have a lower risk of breast cancer. Stopping smoking is another important aspect of cancer prevention, as smoking has been linked to at least 16 types of cancers, including breast cancer. Taking all of these measures will help to significantly boost your natural defenses against cancer by supporting your immune system.
It is empowering to know that several different measures can be taken to reduce the risk of breast cancer. By taking breast cancer prevention seriously as well as making the right lifestyle choices will help to reduce your risk. In both the short and long term.