Prevention and Breast Cancer by Jennie Cheung, ND, DAc
The most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide is breast cancer. With country comparison, the incidence is almost three times higher in industrialized nations than it is in the developing ones. About one in nine women in Canada will develop the disease, the US at a very similar but slightly higher chance at one in eight.
From a dietary perspective, the diets of women in non-industrialized worlds were richer in fibre, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, and lower in fat, animal protein, and dairy. Also of interest to note are geographical studies which have shown that the countries positioned near the equator showed lower incidences , possibly linked to increased sunlight and Vitamin D levels in the breast; Japanese women who are of the world’s largest consumers of sea vegetables, carried the highest levels of iodine, found to be protective of breast tissue.
Finally, exercise is a protective factor against breast cancer, moreso in pre-menopausal women. In one study, the girls who were less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer engaged in physical activities such as walking or biking to school, competitive training, and for all you parents out there who will like this one, vigorous household chores. Research has shown that long-term exercise decreases estradiol and progesterone secretion, lowers blood glucose and insulin, delays the onset of menstruation in girls, and enhances estrogen metabolism.
To explore other practical stategies which one can implement in their lifestyle, contact your primary health-care practitioner or naturopath who will discuss other links and risk factors to breast cancer including environmental, psychological, and emotional.