Don’t Have Hormone Replacement Therapy
Studies have shown a connection between longtime hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer. This link suggests HRT with a combination of estrogen and progesterone raises the risk. Five years after discontinuing HRT, the risk drops. If you need to take hormone replacement therapy, talk to your healthcare provider about weighing the risks and benefits.
The Nonlinear Path To Metastasis
Cancer doesnât just spread because a primary tumor has reached a certain size or stage. Disseminated tumor cells, or DTCs, can break off before a tumor has even formed and travel to distant sites in the body where they lie dormant until something âwakes them upâ and they start the deadly process of metastasis, or cancer spread/colonization.
One common hideout for these sleepy creeps is the bone marrow. Dormant tumor cells have been found in the bone marrow of breast cancer patients at the very earliest stage of the disease â DCIS or stage 0 â and Ghajar said theyâre mostly likely present in other patients with early-stage disease, as well.
Past research has shown an association between DTCs in the bone marrow of cancer patients and metastatic recurrence â and not necessarily just bone metastasis.
âPatients with breast cancer cells in the marrow recur more often than patients who donât have cells in the bone marrow,â said Ghajar, who collaborated with a cadre of Fred Hutch researchers as well as scientists from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and the University of California, San Diego. âAnd tumor cells in the bone marrow predict metastasis in a variety of different sites. They even predict metastasis in cancers that never get bone mets.â
But Ghajar said thereâs scientific evidence that âif you can successfully remove disseminated tumor cells, you can prevent those patients from having mets.â
Surgery For High Risk Breast Cancer
Surgery to remove both breasts may be a possible option for women at very high risk. This is known as a bilateral risk reducing mastectomy. Bilateral means both sides and mastectomy means removal of the breast.
It is important you meet a genetic counsellor before you make a decision about having surgery. They will talk about your own personal risks and explain other options, for example screening for high risk women. Your surgeon and specialist nurse will tell you about the surgery. They will also talk about your feelings and any concerns you may have.
During the operation the surgeon removes as much breast tissue as possible but its not possible to remove it all. So, although surgery lowers your risk it does not go away completely.
You may be able to have breast reconstruction during the surgery, or at a later date. This is surgery to make new breasts using tissue from elsewhere in your body or implants.
Choosing to have risk reducing surgery can be a difficult time for you and your family, so it is important to ask questions. Your doctors and nurses will support you when making your decisions and throughout your treatment.
Speak to your doctor if you have family members with breast cancer and you think you might be at risk of developing it.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Survival Rate Of Breast Cancer Stage 4
What Else Do You Need To Make Your Decision
Check the facts
- Sorry, that’s not right. Sometimes women think that their risk is higher than it really is. That’s why it’s important to talk to your doctor before you consider having any treatment to prevent breast cancer.
- You’re right. Sometimes women think that their risk is higher than it really is. That’s why it’s important to talk to your doctor before you consider having any treatment to prevent breast cancer.
- It may help to go back and read “Get the Facts.” It depends on what kind of family history you have. Sometimes women think that their risk is higher than it really is. Talk to your doctor.
- No, there’s no reason to hurry. For example, some women decide to have extra checkups and testing now and think about surgery later, after they have had children and have finished breastfeeding.
- That’s correct. There’s no reason to hurry. Some women will decide to choose extra checkups and testing now and think about surgery later, after they have had children and have finished breastfeeding.
- It may help to go back and read “Compare Your Options.” There’s no reason to make this decision in a hurry.
- Yes, you’re right. A woman who has inherited a BRCA gene change is very likely to get breast cancer.
- Sorry, that’s wrong. A woman who has inherited a BRCA gene change is very likely to get breast cancer.
- It may help to go back and read “Get the Facts.” A woman who has inherited a BRCA gene change is very likely to get breast cancer.
Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer
If you have done everything you can and are still diagnosed with breast cancer, please remember that breast cancer is treatable at all stages. Depending on a wide variety of conditions, you might have many treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments. While not every treatment is successful, each year has brought discoveries that help to increase a patients chance to become a breast cancer survivor. Learn more about the newest treatments for metastatic breast cancer. Many of those survivors can become completely cancer-free and live a long, healthy life afterward.
If you would like to know more about breast cancer prevention and treatment, there are many resources available, not the least of which is your own healthcare provider. Talk to your doctor today about what you can do now to prevent cancer in the future.
Recommended Reading: Stage 2 Breast Cancer Recurrence
Foods And Beverages To Avoid
While certain foods may protect against breast cancer, other foods may increase your risk.
As such, its best to reduce your intake of the following foods and beverages or avoid them altogether:
Summary
To lower your risk of breast cancer, steer clear of refined carbs, added sugar, alcohol, fried foods, processed meats, and fast food.
With Some Lifestyle Changes Women Can Lower Their Risk Of Breast Cancer Here Is What You Can Do
Truthfully, a Cancer diagnosis is the last thing anyone would want. Known for its aggressive nature, Cancer still tends to instil immense fear in the hearts of people. However, when detected early, cancer can be treated and, in many cases, can be prevented. For instance, Breast Cancer can be stopped unless it has a family history factor involved.Also Read – Health Tips For Pregnant Women: Easy And Safe Exercises For A Normal Delivery That Every Pregnant Women Should Follow | Watch Video
Yes, with some lifestyle changes, women can lower their risk of Breast Cancer. Dr Sonal Kumta, Senior Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Fortis Hospital Mulund shares tips to reduce the risk of breast cancer risk. Also Read – Drinking Excess Alcohol in Winter Season Can be Harmful to Your Heart: Study
Above all, be vigilant about Breast Cancer detection. If you notice any changes in your breasts, such as a new lump or skin changes, consult your doctor. Also, ask your doctor when to begin mammograms and other screenings based on your personal history. Also Read – EXCLUSIVE: Omicron Cases Detected In India, Dr.Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO Explains Symptoms And Preventive Measures | Watch
Here are some warning signs that you must be aware of:
Remember, early screening and intervention is critical in reducing the burden of breast cancer.
For breaking news and live news updates, like us on or follow us on and . Read more on Latest Health News on India.com.
Don’t Miss: How Do Doctors Treat Breast Cancer
Understanding Your Risk Of Breast Cancer
Several breast cancer risk assessment tools have been developed to help a woman estimate her chance of developing breast cancer. The best studied is the Gail model, which is available on the National Cancer Institutes website at www.cancer.gov/bcrisktool. After you enter some personal and family information, including race/ethnicity, the tool provides you with a 5-year and lifetime estimate of the risk of developing invasive breast cancer. Because it only asks for information about breast cancer in first-degree family members and does not include their ages at diagnosis, the tool works best at estimating risk in women without a strong inherited breast cancer risk. For some women, other ways of determining the risk of breast cancer may work better. For example, women with a strong family history of breast cancer risk should consider talking to a genetic counselor.
It is important to talk with your doctor about how to estimate your personal risk of breast cancer and to discuss risk-reducing or prevention options .
Lifestyle Changes For Breast Cancer Prevention
We are all unique, and staying healthy and preventing illness is different for each person. Eating healthy, exercising and learning stress reducing strategies help most people to feel healthier.
Integrating healthier habits into your life is important, but can be difficult. Some people are more successful if they make small changes over a long time period. Others find that a major overhaul in how they live is more effective. In general, the most sustaining motivation is to feel better.
There are no clear causes of breast cancer and, therefore, no proven way to prevent the disease. This can provoke uncertainty, fear and anger. It is this fear of the unknown and people’s passion to find causes that fuel breast cancer advocacy and research.
Even though there is no proof that healthier living can prevent breast cancer, it is believed that decreasing your exposure to things that are harmful and increasing healthier practices may lower the risks. These practices have been shown to help people improve their energy levels, decrease the incidences of other illnesses and enhance their overall sense of well being. There is ongoing research to study the impact of lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, support and stress management.
Lifestyle change begins with a personal commitment to feel and be healthier. It is often difficult for us to care for ourselves because we usually care for others. The following series of questions may prompt an exploration.
Don’t Miss: Will My Breast Cancer Come Back
Prevention Of Metastatic Breast Cancer
Unfortunately, for such a common and serious disease, there is very little that we can actually do in prevention. Many of the factors that go into whether or not a person develops breast cancer are inherited, and it is very little can be done to circumvent them. However, there are a few things you can do to prevent metastatic breast cancer.
Made by Group3 Communication
Ten Lifestyle Changes That May Help
All breast cancer survivors live with the concern about a recurrence or a new cancer. This fear is usually the biggest worry of all. Many women feel that their body has betrayed them and therefore it takes time to trust it again.
Learning how to cope with fears of recurrence is important. Though your body has gone through many changes as a result of a cancer diagnosis and treatment, most women become healthy, strong and optimistic once again.
Recommended Reading: Is Stage 2 Breast Cancer Bad
These 5 Strategies Can Help Prevent Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian women. Even though the five-year survival rate87 per centhas vastly improved over the past three decades, one in eight women can still expect to be diagnosed with breast cancer. Many risk factors are out of our control: were more likely to develop the disease the older we get, for instance, or the taller we are, although this link may have to do with factors such as childhood diet that contribute to height in adulthood. But current research is finding that we can, to some extent, shape our own odds.
Its incredibly important that people know they are not powerless, says Susannah Brown, senior scientist at the World Cancer Research Fund in London, U.K. There are steps they can take to help reduce their risk. Earlier this year, WCRF partnered with the American Institute for Cancer Research to analyze more than 100 studies drawing on data from millions of women around the world. They found strong evidence of lowered breast cancer risk with simple lifestyle interventions. Its never too late to get healthier, says Brown. But the earlier you start, the better.
Here are five ways to lower your risk for developing breast cancer.
How To Reduce Risk Of Breast Cancer
The highest risk for being diagnosed with breast cancer is being a woman. The second highest risk is age. The older you become, the higher your risk goes up. There are lifestyle changes that can reduce your risk of getting the disease and help find the disease early.
Each woman has her own set of risk factors. Each woman can create her own plan with her clinician to lower her risk of getting the disease. For men who are at risk, this is also true.
Don’t Miss: Stage 3 Aggressive Breast Cancer
Avoiding Risk Factors And Increasing Protective Factors May Help Prevent Cancer
Avoiding cancerrisk factors may help prevent certain cancers. Risk factors include smoking, being overweight, and not getting enough exercise. Increasing protective factors such as quitting smoking and exercising may also help prevent some cancers. Talk to your doctor or other health care professional about how you might lower your risk of cancer.
NCI’sBreast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool uses a woman’s risk factors to estimate her risk for breast cancer during the next five years and up to age 90. This online tool is meant to be used by a health care provider. For more information on breast cancer risk, call 1-800-4-CANCER.
Diet And Breast Cancer Risk
Eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables every day may lower your breast cancer risk. The natural vitamin antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables may decrease the risk of cancer slightly. You should also eat foods that are low in saturated fat.
Taking vitamin supplements does not seem to lower the risk of cancer. This includes vitamin D and calcium supplements.
Don’t Miss: Breast Cancer Weight Gain Symptom
Foods That May Lower Breast Cancer Risk
Keep in mind that many factors are associated with breast cancer development. While improving your diet can improve your overall health and reduce your cancer risk in general, its only one piece of the puzzle.
Even with a healthy diet, you still need regular breast cancer screenings like mammograms and manual checks. After all, early detection and diagnosis significantly increase survival rates. Talk to your healthcare provider for advice about breast cancer screenings.
All the same, research suggests that these foods may lower your risk of this disease.
Foods That Reduce Your Risk Of Breast Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, the average risk of a woman in the U.S. developing breast cancer at some point in her life is 12 percent. Although many risk factors for breast cancer are out of your control, such as genetic factors , there is evidence to support that a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and a nutrient-dense diet may affect your risk of cancer. In fact, experts estimate that we may be able to prevent as many as 1 out of every 20 cancer cases simply by changing what we eat. Certain compounds found in food, such as ellagic acid, phytosterols, antioxidants , and even fiber, have been found to regulate estrogen and inhibit cancer cell formation. Here, we’ve listed the best foods that contain cancer-fighting nutrients.
While no single food is guaranteed to keep you cancer-free, shifting your diet to include more of these foods that can help fight breast cancer wouldn’t hurt. Below, we’ve listed some of these nutritional stars.
You May Like: What Is Stage 3a Breast Cancer
Know Your Family History
Having a family or personal history of breast cancer increases your risk. If an immediate relative, such as your mother or sister, has had breast cancer, it is important to let your healthcare provider know, as breast cancer can be genetic.
Genetic testing for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, as well as counseling, are available for those concerned about their risk. Keep in mind, however, that just because your mother or sister had breast cancer does not mean you will definitelydevelop the disease.
Being Overweight And Obesity
For women who have experienced menopause , being overweight or obese, or gaining weight, is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Keeping to a healthy weight range reduces the risk of breast cancer. According to Cancer Australia, it is estimated that 8% of postmenopausal breast cancers each year in Australia are due to being overweight or obese.
Also Check: Is Stage 4 Breast Cancer
Natural Ways To Prevent Breast Cancer
To prevent breast cancer you need to take action. Otherwise, your odds of getting breast cancer, the disease women fear the most, are 1 in 8.
In spite of the millions of dollars spent on research and new drugs, the overall odds have stayed the same. But the following tips can greatly improve your own odds.
Reduce Your Alcohol Intake
If youre drinking for your health, think again. What youre doing is raising your risk of seven cancers, including liver cancer. One drink a day increases your chances of developing breast cancer specifically by as much as 10 per cent. Two drinks and you double it by up to 20 per cent.
A lot of women are shocked by that, says Dr. Julian Kim, a radiation oncologist with CancerCare Manitoba in Winnipeg. They drink a glass of wine to relax, and they think theyre getting away scot-free. Alcohol can increase levels of estrogen, which, like other hormones, delivers messages that control cell division in the body. Increased lifetime estrogen exposure is associated with breast cancer. Thats why getting your first period before age 12 and reaching menopause after 55 are risk factors.
Plus, when we metabolize alcohol, its converted into acetaldehyde, a toxic by-product that can damage DNA and interfere with our ability to repair it. There is no safe amount women can drink without increasing their risk of breast cancer, says Brown. However, the women who drink the most alcohol are at the greatest risk.
When it comes to another common vice, smoking, the news is surprising. Although smoking-related illnesses cause about 100 deaths a day in Canada and may be implicated in some breast cancers, smoking is not as strong a risk factor for breast cancer as it is for other cancers, notes Shawn Chirrey, senior manager of health promotion for the Canadian Cancer Society in Toronto.
You May Like: Estrogen Induced Breast Cancer