Ways That Women Can Reduce Our Cancer Risk

[Nia Imani]

Stop Smoking.
Maintain a healthy weight. Lose excess weight if you are overweight or obese.
Refuse to drink heavy amounts of alcohol.
Exercise.
Ensure adequate exposure to sunlight so that the body has the ability to produce Vitamin D.
Eat a diet high in fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

[aiyoka]

The Cancer Project is a collaborative effort of physicians, researchers, and nutritionists who have joined together to educate individuals, families, and the public on the benefits of a healthy diet for cancer prevention and survival.

The Cancer Project provides comprehensive educational materials, conducts clinical research studies, and publicizes the value of a healthy diet in cancer prevention and survival.

Flax Seeds Shrink Breast Cancer Tumors
A Canadian study put flax seeds to the test for shrinking breast cancer tumors. Two groups of postmenopausal women were assigned to eat a muffin made with 25 grams of flax seed oil or a muffin without, every morning. The majority of women consuming flax seed muffins had a significant reduction in tumor size, similar to the effects of the drug tamoxifen.

An easy way to add flax to your diet is by sprinkling ground flax seeds on your cereal, salads, soups, and casseroles, or adding them to any baked goods. Be sure to refrigerate flax seeds and flax meal to insure freshness.

Source: http://www.cancerproject.org/nyn/bre.../diet/flax.php

But Genes Aren't Everything! Behavior Is Key...Because It Can Be Altered
While researchers, doctors, and even some at-risk individuals may focus their attention on breast cancer genes, they may be missing behavioral risk factors that are proven keys to lowering cancer risk. A study of 119 women who had signed up to be tested for genetic mutations that have been linked to breast and ovarian cancer, found that 27 percent did not exercise regularly and 39 percent did not eat five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Relevant to skin cancer, 46 percent did not protect themselves from sun exposure.

"Seventy to 80 percent of cancers have been linked to behavioral factors," said Karen Emmons of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, who led the study. Five to 10 percent of cancers are due to genetic mutations, so doctors shouldn't lose sight of the many practical steps people can take to lower their odds, she noted.

As smoking is linked to lung cancer, people who exercise and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially vegetarians, have a much lower risk of many forms of cancer as well as heart disease.

Emmons estimates that only 10 percent to 20 percent of women who get the genetic test are also told how they can reduce their overall risk of cancer. The study supports the need for doctors to do a better job in promoting preventive steps.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

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http://www.cancerproject.org/nyn/bre...ncer/index.php