Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer and also the deadliest of all cancers. The World Health Organization (WHO) has predicted that by 2020 the number of breast cancer cases will be much higher. In fact, it is believed that in coming few years one in every eight women would run the risk of developing breast cancer in her lifetime. This figure has been also estimated by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Breast cancer is a complex disease, and many factors contribute to it such as genetics along with lifestyle and dietary factors. However breast cancer can be prevented with certain healthy habits such as limiting alcohol consumption, avoid smoking, controlling your weight, breast feeding, avoiding exposure to radiation and environmental pollution, and limiting the duration of hormone therapy, staying physically active and regular medical checkups. At the same time following a healthy diet plan can also reduce the risk of breast cancer to a great extent. There are certain food items that help to fight malignant cancer cells at the onset and thus help in preventing breast cancer.
Broccoli
Broccoli contains cancer-fighting compounds known as indole-3-carbinol. This particular chemical converts the type of estrogen that causes cancer into a more cancer-protective type of estrogen and help in reducing the risk of various types of cancers such as breast, bladder, lymphoma, prostate and lung cancer. Try to eat five portions of broccoli in a day to help protect against breast cancer. Cooked broccoli supply more health benefits than raw broccoli. Along with broccoli, try to include other cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, kale, and cauliflower in your diet plan in order to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Salmon
Salmon is a kind of oily fish that contains a good amount of omega-3 fatty acids which slows down the growth of cancerous tumors and also boosts the immune system. At the same time salmon is also a smart lean protein source along with vitamins B12 and D. All these elements provide your body with the nutrients required to regulate cell growth and prevent cancer. You can eat salmon by steaming it, baking it or grilling it. For better result try to eat three portions of fresh salmon each week. Along with salmon, other oily fishes that can prevent breast cancer are mackerel, sardines, trout, sea bass and tuna.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains a substance known as Curcumin that can inhibit various types of cancer cells such as breast, gastrointestinal, lung, and skin cancer. According to various research works it has been found that turmeric helps a lot to prevent breast cancer from spreading to the lungs when combined with certain drug-based therapy. It has several cancer-fighting properties and it actually repairs DNA that has been damaged by radiation. You can enjoy the protective benefits of Curcumin by just adding little bit of turmeric powder to your foods or eat a pinch of raw turmeric with water every morning on an empty stomach.
Blueberries
Blueberries are power-packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can aid in breast cancer prevention. The photochemical present in blueberries work together to prevent the growth and spread of various forms of breast cancer. At the same time blueberries are rich in antioxidants such as ellagic acid which has anticancer properties which destroy cancer-causing substances and slow the growth of tumors. Along with blueberries, other types of berries that can prevent breast cancer are strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and cranberries. To reap the benefits of blueberries try to eat them fresh instead of the packaged versions.
> Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that can prevent the development of breast cancer by stopping cancer cell growth. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, lycopene also stops the growth of tumors by interfering with abnormal cell growth. Along with breast cancer, lycopene is also beneficial in stopping other types of cancer cells from growing, including lung, and endometrial. To enjoy the benefits of tomatoes, you can eat cooked, concentrated or processed tomatoes. However the best option is to drink half glass of tomato juice daily.
> Garlic
Studies show that garlic also helps in preventing breast cancer. The sulfur compounds present in garlic speeds DNA repair, and kills cancer cells connected with breast cancer, mouth cancer, stomach cancer, and colon cancer. To get the most benefit, peel and chop the garlic cloves and let them sit for about fifteen minutes before cooking. Also crush or swallow a piece of garlic every morning in order to live a cancer-free life. However people on blood thinners and certain other medications should talk with their doctor before taking garlic supplements.
> Flax seed
Flax seed contains high levels of lignans, which protect against estrogen-dependent cancers such as breast cancer. Flax seed or flax seed oil is among the few sources of the essential omega-3 fatty acid ALA which forms a protective shield against cancer cells responsible for causing breast cancer. You can add powdered flax seed to yogurt or a smoothie to create a richer and nutty flavor. You can also add flax seed oil to salad dressings too or integrate them into baked goods, such as cookies or muffins.
> Spinach
Spinach contains an antioxidant known as lutien which plays a key role in guarding against breast cancer along with mouth, esophagus, and stomach cancer. It is also rich in zeaxanthin and carotids that remove unstable molecules called free radicals from your body before they damage it. Women must eat spinach at least twice a week in order to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Spinach can be enjoyed in the form of a salad, soup, steamed, sauteed or stirred. Along with spinach also eat other green leafy vegetables such as kale, collard greens, Swiss chard, or romaine lettuce.
> Walnuts
Walnuts contain many helpful nutrients and healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which help your body fight inflammation that actually slow down the growth of breast cancer tumors. Research suggests that walnut is particularly effective at protecting your cells against environmental exposures that may increase the risk for cancer. Regular consumption of walnuts can help you keep breast cancer at bay. Heath experts suggest eating two ounces of walnuts in a day in order to slow down the development and growth of breast cancer tumors.
: To conclude, by including the above mentioned food items in your diet plan you can easily reduce the risk of breast cancer and also from spreading if the cancer has developed. Also to prevent cancer regular medical-checkups is a must and you must regular consult a doctor.
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Self-breast examination
The earlier the diagnosis is done, the greater are the chances of successful treatment. The self-breast examination should be performed monthly for small abnormalities that can be detected and as soon as possible to seek medical attention.
This procedure must be performed by all women over the age of 20. At this age cancer is rare, and, therefore, it is ideal time to start the habit of self examination. The breasts are not homogeneous and they have small changes in texture and form that vary from woman to woman. The first few times of self-examination can be frustrating because of lack of understanding of what structures are being palpated, but starting the exam when still young and doing so frequently lead the patient become fully familiar with the particularities of their breasts over time, facilitating detection of any abnormality when they arise.
The presence of silicone implants does not alter the routine of self-examination. The best time for examination is one week after your period, when your breasts are less swollen and tender. For postmenopausal women it is ideal to establish a randomly fixed day of the month to carry out self-examination.
Steps to perform self-breast examination:
► Put yourself standing in front of a mirror with your hands on your waist. Observe your breasts. Note their color, size, texture and shape.
►Raise your arms and observe the breasts front and side. If they are bulky raise them so that the region hidden by the skin can be observed.
►Lie on your belly up, and with your fingertips gently squeeze the breast. Make small circular movements. Switch the pressure that causes the fingers over the breast. Use your left hand to examine the right breast and right hand to examine the left.
►Move from top to bottom and from bottom to top in a zigzag fashion, so as to cover the entire length of the breast.
►This test may be repeated standing while you take a shower because wet skin is easier to examine.
The realization of self-examination of breasts in any way rule out the need for periodic medical evaluation. For those who are familiar with their breasts, an experienced doctor can detect small nodules with much more ease than patients,
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