Soy Products and Breast Cancer
Scientists are interested in the connection between soy and breast cancer, and are actively studying, the possibility that soy might affect the likelihood of getting it or recovering from it. At this point, there is certainly no concrete evidence to say that eating tofu everyday will prevent breast cancer. If you are currently being treated for breast cancer or are post-menopausal, some researchers have hypothesized that soy could actually have the opposite effect, possibly impeding treatment or increasing the likelihood of getting breast cancer. But since nothing at all has been proven so far, it is best to seek the advice of your doctor if you are concerned.
Breast Cancer Prevention and Concerns About Children
One of the most terrifying aspects of breast cancer is the effect it might have on children. Fears of leaving young children motherless can be agonizing. If you have older children, you may begin to fear that they, too, will get cancer. However, if you have not started a family yet, but feel you are at a high risk for breast cancer, you may wonder if it is wise to have children at all?
If you fall into the latter category, cast your fears aside. Having multiple children early in life can decrease your risk of breast cancer. If you already have children and breast cancer, sit down and talk to your kids about your diagnosis, whatever their age. Even very young children feel better when problems are explained to them at a level they understand. Adult children can be a tremendous support system if you have been diagnosed with cancer, and if they are aware of your diagnosis, their risk will be higher, and they will be more likely to take the steps that can help prevent or be tested for breast cancer.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Breast Cancer
It is a good idea to do your best to strive for breast cancer prevention. If you were doing this already, then it would be known that what you eat is important. Some studies have shown promise that women whose diets are rich in omega-3 fatty acids could be at lower risk for getting breast cancer and dying from it. Omega-3 fatty acids are those "good" fats you may have heard of, present in a food like fish. As yet, omega-3 fatty acids are not considered a proven way to prevent breast cancer. If you are considering eating more foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids or taking a supplement, there may be health benefits, but you should talk to your doctor first.
Steps You Can Take to Reduce Breast Cancer Recurrence
If you are being treated for breast cancer, you are probably already doing everything you can to prevent its recurrence. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and follow-up therapy with medication seem to be medicine's best tools to stop the cancer from recurring. Remember that if staying slim, fit, and healthy was important to reduce risk of breast cancer in the first place, these things are certainly still important in the effort to prevent breast cancer from coming back.
Mastectomy as a Breast Cancer Prevention Technique
To some women, it sounds like a sure-fire course of action: "I will have my breasts removed, and then at least I know I will never get breast cancer." Even if you have a mastectomy, though, there is a possibility that cancer can still arise in small amounts of breast tissue that might be left behind. Meanwhile, the psychological repercussions of such a surgery would be considerable. It is also important to keep in mind that your insurance company may not be willing to pay for a mastectomy in a woman who has not been diagnosed with breast cancer. Before resorting to drastic measures such as this, learn about preventing breast cancer and do all you can to protect yourself. If breast cancer has not yet made an appearance, you have plenty of time to decide what to do about breasts that are perfectly healthy, and may remain so for the rest of your life.
Reducing Breast Cancer Risk May Be the Closest Thing to Prevention
Breast cancer prevention is an important topic. For now, the best defense is to learn about preventing breast cancer and to take all the steps possible to do so.
Scientists recommend lowering risk factors by staying slender, exercising, eating fruits and vegetables, and avoiding (or at least limiting) alcohol consumption. But some women who do all of these things will get breast cancer anyway. Someday, that factor to prevent breast cancer may be found. Until then, live healthy, and try to limit your thoughts of breast cancer to a few days a year, such as the day you schedule your mammogram.
Certain Medications May Reduce the Risk of Breast Cancer
It is important to learn about preventing breast cancer. There are certain drugs you can explore in an effort to prevent breast cancer from happening to you. Probably the most familiar possibility is Tamoxifen, commonly prescribed after breast cancer treatment and believed to reduce the risk of getting breast cancer in the first place. But you should know that medications do not come with a complete guarantee. Tamoxifen is controversial when used as a prevention strategy, because it can cause side effects like blood clots and increased risk of other types of cancers. If you are considering preventive drug therapy, it is wise to get genetically tested to help determine what your breast cancer risk actually is. Only after extensive discussion with your doctor, can you accurately weigh the risks and potential benefits to make the decision that is right for you.