Beating the Odds of Breast Cancer

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, an estimated 22,400 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 - that's 431 Canadian women every week. The good news - and there's plenty of it - is that breast cancer death rates have been declining since 1969.

Thanks to increased awareness, earlier detection and more effective treatments more women are surviving breast cancer, in Canada and around the world.

Prevention
According to the world's top cancer specialists, there is a lot you can to reduce your personal risk of developing breast cancer.

1. Maintain a healthy weight. Experts have discovered that women with a body mass index of 25 or more and those who gain weight in midlife are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Eat as many fruits and vegetables as you can every day, either raw or gently steamed. Cancer preventing vegetables and fruits include broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, dark leafy greens like spinach, as well as carrots, tomatoes, citrus fruits, berries and cherries. Avoid saturated fats, trans fats and sunflower, safflower and corn oil, and eat lots of fish. Olive oil, nuts, seeds and avocadoes are other excellent dietary choices. Avoid white carbs, such as white flour, white rice, white potatoes and sugar, since they are known to trigger hormonal changes that promote cellular growth in breast tissue. Instead, eat whole grains, beans and legumes, which are high in fiber and lignan content. Soy is another great cancer preventer, especially tofu, edamame, soy nuts, soy milk and miso.
2. Minimize alcohol consumption. Studies around the world have found that drinking more than one alcoholic beverage a day increases your risk of breast cancer by as much as 20 per cent.
3. Exercise regularly. When you exercise for 30 minutes or more five times or more each week, you are not only helping your heart stay strong, you are also decreasing your risk of acquiring all types of cancer.
4. Avoid estrogen. Doctors have discovered that women who are exposed to estrogen throughout their life are at an increased risk for developing breast cancer. Talk to your doctor about steering clear of prescription estrogens, and do what you can to stay away from environmental pollutants such as pesticides and industrial chemicals. Buy organic produce and reduce your consumption of foods that contain residual hormones, such as non-organic dairy products, meat and poultry.
5. Take vitamins and stay positive. Choose a multi-vitamin that contains vitamins C and E, as well as pharmaceutical fish oil and selenium. Stay connected and actively involved with your friends and family, and get plenty of sleep - at least 7-8 hours a night.