Preventing Breast Cancer...

worriedgirl · 08-14-2009, 11:13 PM

My mother got breast cancer not that long ago. From that time I am worried that I am gonna get it in future too. It is a very hard thing to go through and I REALLY don't wanna have to deal with it. I was reading up on the things that are related to it or might cause it and I have many of the risk factors

This is one of the reasons I don't like to take BC pills...

So, has anyone here had to deal with this disease? Do you do anything to prevent it? I like to hear your experiences and ideas...

Misskitty16 · 08-14-2009, 11:26 PM

If you are under 40, the best thing you can do is "self check" each month. Mammos are not very reliable for women under 40 because of tissue density (I won't really get into that here).

worriedgirl · 08-14-2009, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Misskitty16

If you are under 40, the best thing you can do is "self check" each month. Mammos are not very reliable for women under 40 because of tissue density (I won't really get into that here).

how would self check prevent breast cancer? I mean what can happen is you figure out you have it! Am I not right?

Misskitty16 · 08-14-2009, 11:33 PM

Quote:

how would self check prevent breast cancer? I mean what can happen is you figure out you have it! Am I not right?

..
You cannot "prevent it". Your best "defense" is what I said. Some experts claim that certain foods fight cancer, but I believe that is not actually medically proven. But it sure can't hurt to eat a diet high in anti-oxidants.

Nixee · 08-15-2009, 12:02 AM

I am rather scared of breast cancer myself, after a great aunt and then two of my mother's sisters got it. The youngest sister died of it in December. My mother has had two biopsies done on her breasts herself, but thankfully she has been ok so far.

I spoke to my doctor about my concerns however, because it seems so strong in my family, and she told me that when your siblings, mother or grandmother has it, they can do genetic testing on you to see if you possess the breast cancer gene. In your case, worriedgirl, since it is your mother with cancer, you may be able to get genetic testing done to find out if you will develop it due to your genetics - you would have to ask your doctor about that.

As far as just general prevention though, doing breast self-exams at home is the best thing you can do on your own. You just have to gently rub and check your breasts for any lumps/abnormalities. As my doctor told me, "if there was something unusual, you would know it."

Mammograms you can schedule with the doc, but I think that depends on your age. At 29, my doctor isn't really concerned for me yet (even though I got thrown into panic mode a bit after losing my aunt), but it helped to speak with her. If you are concerned, I recommend just talking over your concerns with your regular doctor.

worriedgirl · 08-15-2009, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nixee

I am rather scared of breast cancer myself, after a great aunt and then two of my mother's sisters got it. The youngest sister died of it in December. My mother has had two biopsies done on her breasts herself, but thankfully she has been ok so far.

I spoke to my doctor about my concerns however, because it seems so strong in my family, and she told me that when your siblings, mother or grandmother has it, they can do genetic testing on you to see if you possess the breast cancer gene. In your case, worriedgirl, since it is your mother with cancer, you may be able to get genetic testing done to find out if you will develop it due to your genetics - you would have to ask your doctor about that.

As far as just general prevention though, doing breast self-exams at home is the best thing you can do on your own. You just have to gently rub and check your breasts for any lumps/abnormalities. As my doctor told me, "if there was something unusual, you would know it."

Mammograms you can schedule with the doc, but I think that depends on your age. At 29, my doctor isn't really concerned for me yet (even though I got thrown into panic mode a bit after losing my aunt), but it helped to speak with her. If you are concerned, I recommend just talking over your concerns with your regular doctor.

Thanks a lot Nixee and I am really sorry for the loss of your aunt. Maybe I go for the genetic test. My mother was the only one in family eno got it, but well my aunts are all young yet. I guess I want to do a genetic exam... but what if they say it is highly possible for me to get it? I mean what difference does it make other than increasing my fear?

Misskitty16 · 08-15-2009, 12:13 AM

And so you test for the BRAC gene? Then what? The BEST thing is to self-check. As far as screening, an MRI would be more accurate than a mammo if you are under 40. In young women, masses can appear as the same density as surrounding tissue causing them harder to detect. An MRI is better for this.

Nixee · 08-15-2009, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by worriedgirl

Thanks a lot Nixee and I am really sorry for the loss of your aunt. Maybe I go for the genetic test. My mother was the only one in family eno got it, but well my aunts are all young yet. I guess I want to do a genetic exam... but what if they say it is highly possible for me to get it? I mean what difference does it make other than increasing my fear?

I guess that is the risk and the scary thing.... but, it IS an option nowadays, so it is something to think about.

You may have read about Christina Applegate? She had the testing done I guess and found out it was pretty much just a matter of time until she got cancer, so she opted to have her breasts removed. So I guess that is the course of preventive treatment in that case. Pretty extreme maybe, but proactive I guess. And then they just give ya fake boobs to replace them.

I know if I were to have the testing done though, I'd try not to have my mind made up about anything before going in.... A test could also tell you that you are negative, or it could just make you want to make sure you are more diligent with regular screenings. MANY women out there are breast cancer survivors who catch it early.

worriedgirl · 08-15-2009, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nixee

I guess that is the risk and the scary thing.... but, it IS an option nowadays, so it is something to think about.

You may have read about Christina Applegate? She had the testing done I guess and found out it was pretty much just a matter of time until she got cancer, so she opted to have her breasts removed. So I guess that is the course of preventive treatment in that case. Pretty extreme maybe, but proactive I guess. And then they just give ya fake boobs to replace them.

I know if I were to have the testing done though, I'd try not to have my mind made up about anything before going in.... A test could also tell you that you are negative, or it could just make you want to make sure you are more diligent with regular screenings. MANY women out there are breast cancer survivors who catch it early.

Yes I heard about it, I would probably do what she did if I figure out I can get it...I guess I do the test in my thirties tho...

cafecomleite · 08-15-2009, 12:56 AM

Whether or not you get breast cancer depends on long term gene expression, which depends on diet and lifestyle. You can turn off breast cancer genes by taking precautions, which will not only help to prevent breast cancer, but other cancers, diabetes, heart disease, alzheimers and many other conditions. For example, olive oil turns off the her2 gene which is responsible for aggressive breast cancers. Omega 3's have an even more powerful effect.

You want to make sure that you plenty of cancer-preventative foods. Cabbage is excellent, women that eat tons of cabbage seldom get breast cancer. Other cruciferous vegetables like broccoli are also very important. But you have to eat them several times a week to get the protection. It's not pleasant but it works. Tea and extra dark chocolate are good to take every day.

You should have vitamin D levels tested and bring them up accordingly. 2000IU is probably a safe dose. Vitamin K is synergistic with D and also helps to maintain bone mass if you don't do HRT (bad idea to do HRT for someone with breast cancer genes.) It will keeps your arteries clean. Guess what a good source of vitamin K is? Cabbage.

In case you missed it, theres a story on the front page:
http://www.enotalone.com/article/19760.html

Lots of exercise, especially weight training will improve and lower insulin levels. Activities that promote relaxation also lower insulin. You also want to eat foods with a low glycemic index. (everyone should be doing this). If you don't get enough sleep, your insulin levels will be elevated.

These are the basics. I could recommend a dozen anti-breast cancer supplements like resveratrol or astaxanthin, but if you follow the basics you shouldn't need them. Eat the foods listed, get lots of exercise, sleep, supplement with vitamin D and omega 3's and thats the best you can do.

08-14-2009, 11:13 PM	#1
worriedgirl Offline Gold Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 1,080	Preventing Breast Cancer... My mother got breast cancer not that long ago. From that time I am worried that I am gonna get it in future too. It is a very hard thing to go through and I REALLY don't wanna have to deal with it. I was reading up on the things that are related to it or might cause it and I have many of the risk factors This is one of the reasons I don't like to take BC pills... So, has anyone here had to deal with this disease? Do you do anything to prevent it? I like to hear your experiences and ideas...

08-15-2009, 12:02 AM	#5
Nixee Offline Platinum Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NY Gender: Female Age: 30 Posts: 1,862	I am rather scared of breast cancer myself, after a great aunt and then two of my mother's sisters got it. The youngest sister died of it in December. My mother has had two biopsies done on her breasts herself, but thankfully she has been ok so far. I spoke to my doctor about my concerns however, because it seems so strong in my family, and she told me that when your siblings, mother or grandmother has it, they can do genetic testing on you to see if you possess the breast cancer gene. In your case, worriedgirl, since it is your mother with cancer, you may be able to get genetic testing done to find out if you will develop it due to your genetics - you would have to ask your doctor about that. As far as just general prevention though, doing breast self-exams at home is the best thing you can do on your own. You just have to gently rub and check your breasts for any lumps/abnormalities. As my doctor told me, "if there was something unusual, you would know it." Mammograms you can schedule with the doc, but I think that depends on your age. At 29, my doctor isn't really concerned for me yet (even though I got thrown into panic mode a bit after losing my aunt), but it helped to speak with her. If you are concerned, I recommend just talking over your concerns with your regular doctor. __________________ The pain passes, but the beauty remains - Pierre-Auguste Renoir

08-14-2009, 11:26 PM	#2
Misskitty16 Offline Gold Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Whisker City Gender: Female Posts: 937	If you are under 40, the best thing you can do is "self check" each month. Mammos are not very reliable for women under 40 because of tissue density (I won't really get into that here).

08-15-2009, 12:13 AM	#7
Misskitty16 Offline Gold Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Whisker City Gender: Female Posts: 937	And so you test for the BRAC gene? Then what? The BEST thing is to self-check. As far as screening, an MRI would be more accurate than a mammo if you are under 40. In young women, masses can appear as the same density as surrounding tissue causing them harder to detect. An MRI is better for this.

08-15-2009, 12:56 AM	#10
cafecomleite Offline Bronze Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 108	Whether or not you get breast cancer depends on long term gene expression, which depends on diet and lifestyle. You can turn off breast cancer genes by taking precautions, which will not only help to prevent breast cancer, but other cancers, diabetes, heart disease, alzheimers and many other conditions. For example, olive oil turns off the her2 gene which is responsible for aggressive breast cancers. Omega 3's have an even more powerful effect. You want to make sure that you plenty of cancer-preventative foods. Cabbage is excellent, women that eat tons of cabbage seldom get breast cancer. Other cruciferous vegetables like broccoli are also very important. But you have to eat them several times a week to get the protection. It's not pleasant but it works. Tea and extra dark chocolate are good to take every day. You should have vitamin D levels tested and bring them up accordingly. 2000IU is probably a safe dose. Vitamin K is synergistic with D and also helps to maintain bone mass if you don't do HRT (bad idea to do HRT for someone with breast cancer genes.) It will keeps your arteries clean. Guess what a good source of vitamin K is? Cabbage. In case you missed it, theres a story on the front page: http://www.enotalone.com/article/19760.html Lots of exercise, especially weight training will improve and lower insulin levels. Activities that promote relaxation also lower insulin. You also want to eat foods with a low glycemic index. (everyone should be doing this). If you don't get enough sleep, your insulin levels will be elevated. These are the basics. I could recommend a dozen anti-breast cancer supplements like resveratrol or astaxanthin, but if you follow the basics you shouldn't need them. Eat the foods listed, get lots of exercise, sleep, supplement with vitamin D and omega 3's and thats the best you can do.