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With breast cancer being the second biggest cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. a lot of women are left worrying if and when it will affect them, their friends, or their loved ones. Every year, about 240,000 women and 2,100 men in the U.S. get the news that they have breast cancer. Heartbreakingly, around 42,000 women and 500 men lose their lives to this disease annually. Interestingly, it’s not just women who can get breast cancer; men can get it too, though it’s not as common. Notably, black women face a higher risk of breast cancer death compared to other groups (1).
In this article, we’re here to have a candid chat about breast cancer awareness. We’ll break down the important stats, talk about what might cause it, and share some practical steps to keep you and your loved ones safe. It’s all about arming you with knowledge and tools to tackle this challenge head-on.
Breast cancer starts when something goes wrong in your breast cells. These cells start to grow too much and form a lump or tumor, which may or may not be cancerous. Similarly to other cancers, breast cancer doesn’t always stay in one place; it can move into the nearby breast tissue or even spread to other parts of your body. This spreading of cancer to other areas is called metastasis.
Breast cancer can be quite complicated because it comes in different types. What kind of breast cancer you have depends on which specific cells in your breast turn cancerous. Most often, breast cancer begins in either the ducts (the milk highways) or the lobules (the milk-producing glands). As these cancer cells keep growing uncontrollably, they might break free from the breast and travel to other parts of the body.
Not all lumps in the breast are cancerous; many are harmless. They’re called benign lumps and don’t pose an immediate threat to your health. However, some of these non-cancerous lumps might slightly raise your chances of getting breast cancer later on. So, if you notice any changes or lumps in your breast, it’s a good idea to have a healthcare provider check them out. They can tell you if it’s benign or malignant (cancerous) and if it might affect your risk of breast cancer down the road.
So many people think the only way to combat cancer is through radiation and chemotherapy. While these can be effective, they can also wreak havoc on the body and may create many side effects down the road. Now you may be wondering how chiropractic care can help with cancer prevention & healing. A well-aligned spine is crucial because spinal abnormalities can interfere with nerve supply and potentially hinder the body’s ability to function and combat cancer effectively. This essential also plays a significant role during cancer treatment by enhancing the overall healing process. In a typical appointment at a Prince Health and Wellness use X-rays to pinpoint the root cause of this interference and perform specific adjustments so the body can heal as it’s designed to. They then assess your health and create a personalized action plan, so you can get back to living a life without limits.
A diet rich in cancer-fighting foods like berries and cruciferous vegetables can lower your risk of breast cancer. These foods are packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants that help bolster your body’s natural defenses against cancer. Berries, such as blueberries and strawberries, contain compounds like anthocyanins and ellagic acid, which have been linked to cancer prevention by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and reducing inflammation. (3) Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are rich in sulforaphane, a compound known for its potential to suppress tumor development and promote detoxification processes in the body.
For those already dealing with breast cancer, incorporating these nutrient-packed foods into your diet can be especially beneficial. They provide your body with the necessary vitamins and minerals to maintain overall health and support your immune system as it fights the disease. Additionally, their anti-inflammatory properties may help mitigate some of the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation cancer treatment, contributing to a better quality of life during this challenging time. By making these dietary choices, you can take proactive steps to reduce your risk of breast cancer and enhance your body’s resilience in the face of this disease.
Stress, which arises from various life pressures and daily responsibilities, can impact the body’s response to cancer. Chronic stress may lead to adverse health effects, including digestive problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system
For individuals already dealing with cancer, managing stress becomes crucial. Emotional and social support may help alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and treatment-related issues. (2) By adopting stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga, you can positively impact your cancer prevention efforts. Moreover, a positive mindset can be a powerful tool during cancer treatment, potentially aiding in better outcomes.
Regular exercise plays a critical role in preserving general health throughout cancer treatment in addition to lowering the risk of breast cancer. Women who get regular exercise have a lower risk of breast cancer than women who don’t exercise. (4) The American Cancer Society advises aiming for 75-100 minutes (about 1-2 hours) of strenuous activity or 150-300 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. (5) This activity can be spread out throughout the course of the week and includes exercises like walking, playing tennis, swimming, and dancing.
Additionally, physical activity may contribute to lower blood estrogen levels, a key element in breast cancer risk, and boost the body’s immune system, potentially helping to combat or slow the growth of cancer cells. It’s essential to prioritize exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle, reaping its numerous physical and mental rewards, regardless of age.
Minimizing exposure to cancer-causing chemicals present in everyday products is crucial, and remains significant even during cancer treatment to alleviate additional stress on the body. Whether it’s toxins found in foods, skincare products, household items, or the environment – they pose a risk to the overall health of the body. It’s noteworthy that some of these exposures may disrupt the body’s hormonal balance and affect breast development, potentially increasing the risk of breast cancer later in life. Therefore, adopting a lifestyle that minimizes contact with these harmful agents is paramount to safeguarding your health.
Although cancer can be incredibly nerve-wracking – you have the power to be proactive, take charge of your well-being, and forge a path towards prevention and resilience. And the best part is – you don’t have to go through it alone. At Prince Health and Wellness, our chiropractors are not just healthcare providers; they are your partners in health. With their specialized training and education, they may be able to offer support to prevent, combat, and heal from cancer naturally through our whole-body approach, the 5 Essentials – Core Chiropractic, Nutrition, Mindset, Oxygen & Exercise, and Minimize Toxins.
With over 200+ locations across North America, we are committed to being right by your side, every step of the way. This October, we invite you to join us at our “Battle Ready Makeover” event hosted at each of our offices. It’s an opportunity to learn, connect, and explore natural ways to prevent cancer.
If you’re seeking to alleviate stress, gain knowledge, and take action for your health, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Prince Health and Wellness.
