Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast Pain: What It May Tell You

By Lillie Shockney, R.N., M.A.S

Women commonly complain of longstanding breast pain and worry what the cause may be. Cancer? Infection? Something Else? The fact is that most of the time breast pain is associated with a benign change. Only 10 percent of the time is breast pain associated with breast cancer.

The most common causes of breast pain are:
>Breast cysts
>Hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle
>A breast abscess
>A bra that is too tight or doesn't offer appropriate support
>Fibrocystic changes associated with dense breast tissue and hormonal changes. (Note that I said changes and did not use the word disease, because fibrocystic conditions of the breast are common and technically do not constitute a disease.)
Want relief from your breast pain?

First, see your gynecologist to ensure it isn't anything that warrants intervention, such as draining an abscess or aspirating the cyst during an ultrasound.
Then, inquire if vitamin E taken orally will help. You can also ask about reducing your caffeine intake, wearing a bra that really fits you (and provides adequate support), or possibly readjusting your dose of contraceptive pills if you happen to use that method of birth control.
© 2007 Johns Hopkins University. All Rights Reserved. This article from Johns Hopkins University is provided as a service by Yahoo. All materials are produced independently by Johns Hopkins University, which is solely responsible for its content.

Understanding Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer: Busting Common Myths
Lillie Shockney, R.N., M.A.S.
As we work to raise awareness of breast cancer this October, a new telephone survey by the American Cancer Society (ACS) shows that a surprisingly large number of Americans still believe unsubstantiated claims about cancer.
The saddest part of this news is that the least-educated and informed individuals are among those most affected by cancer according to the ACS.
Healthy behavior depends partly on a person's knowledge of which behaviors place them at risk, such as smoking, consuming too much alcohol, or overexposure to UV sunlight.
But research also tells us that people sometimes will focus on unproven risk factors while paying less attention to those that are scientifically proven. As a result, the decisions they make about their health may become distorted.
The survey included 12 inaccurate or unlikely statements about cancer risk, risk factors, and prevention.
Here are a few of those myths:

The risk of dying of cancer in the U.S. is increasing.
False - yet nearly 7 in 10 Americans (68 percent) thought this claim was true.

Living in a polluted city is a greater risk factor for lung cancer than smoking a pack of cigarettes a day.
False - but nearly 4 in 10 (39 percent) thought this claim as true.


Electronic devices like cell phones can cause cancer.
False - 3 in 10 thought this was true.

Personal hygiene products like shampoo, deodorant, and antiperspirants can cause cancer.
False - but about 1 in 7 (15 percent) agreed with this one.


Underwire bras can cause breast cancer.
False - 6 in 10 thought this was true.


Most strikingly, the first statement above, that the risk of dying from cancer in the U.S. is increasing, is clearly false - and yet fully 68 percent of the respondents believed it.
In reality, the death rate from cancer has been decreasing since the early 1990s, and the five-year relative survival rate for all cancers combined has been rising steadily over the last 30 years.
And why did so many believe that living in a polluted city is a greater risk for lung cancer than smoking a pack of cigarettes a day? The authors point to studies showing that people who engage in behaviors like smoking or unprotected sun exposure tend to underestimate their own personal risks from these choices, despite their knowing of the risk to the general public.
Here are some other myths, specifically about breast cancer, that I often hear from patients or their family members:
The risk of breast cancer decreases after a woman reaches age 65.
Actually, the risk of breast cancer increases steadily with age. By the time a woman reaches 85, her risk of developing breast cancer is 1 in 7.

Antiperspirants cause breast cancer.
There is no research to substantiate this rumor, which started on college campuses in 1998.

Most women diagnosed today will have to have a mastectomy as their breast cancer treatment.
In fact, less than 20 percent of women diagnosed nowadays actually need mastectomy; over 80 percent are candidates for lumpectomy surgery.

If you don't have a family history of breast cancer, you won't get it yourself.
In truth, only 12 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of the disease.

Men can't get breast cancer.
One percent of individuals diagnosed each year are men.

Most women who get breast cancer will die of their disease.
No! Fifteen percent of women diagnosed will eventually die of the disease, and that figure has been declining for the past 3 years.

The radiation from mammograms causes breast cancer.
Oh, boy, that's a doozie. The amount of radiation received in a mammogram is very small and not a risk factor. In fact, mammograms save many lives by detecting tumors early.Women diagnosed by mammogram with stage 0 or 1 breast cancer have a 98 percent survival rate, thus demonstrating the value of annual mammograms.

If you have been hoodwinked by any of these myths, here's your opportunity to erase them from your mind by getting the facts. If someone you care about is confused about the stats, share this information with them and reduce their anxiety a bit, too.
Who knows? You might inspire someone to do the right thing and get a mammogram. And that someone, of course, could be the person looking back at you in the bathroom mirror.
source:http://health.yahoo.com/breast-cancer-awareness-2007

Natural Herb or Supplement of the Week - Comfrey Leaves

Continuing with our October Breast Cancer Awareness theme, here is a closer look at a herb mentioned in our previous post 2 weks ago.
Many natural remedies have not been approved by the FDA yet have had success with many people. We at Healthy Living are just going to give you the treatment and claims of some of these Natural cures. In the end you have to decide whether it is right for you. Today's supplement is Comfrey leaves.

Comfrey Leaves

Comfrey was highly valued by the Greeks as an herbal remedy. In medieval times, comfrey was used to mend fractured bones. Comfrey has many benefits, and can treat many ailments both internal and external. Comfrey has been used as an antibacterial and antifungal, to reduce inflammation, ease pain, stop swelling, and shrink blood vessels.

Comfrey grows in many areas of the world, from Newfoundland to Georgia to Louisiana, and is also found in Europe. It thrives in soft, wet ground and is usually found in meadows or valleys. Comfrey is a big plant and can be up to five feet tall. Its leaves are dark green, long, and oval-shaped, and they grow on the upright, branch at the top of the plant. It blooms from May to September and its flowers are soft, and bell-shaped, and are either purple or yellow. The root of the plant is dark, almost black, on the outside and pale and fleshy on the inside. The root secretes a thick liquid.

Medical Indications and Benefits

Comfrey is an effective remedy for a variety of conditions. It is a powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and to reduce swelling and inflammation. Comfrey is an anodyne, meaning that it relieves pain; it’s an astringents, meaning that it shrinks blood vessels; it expels mucous; it’s a haemostatic, meaning it can stimulated the clotting of blood; it’s a proliferant, meaning it stimulates cell growth; it’s a refrigerant and can be a mild sedative; and it expedite the healing process. Comfrey is often used to treat maladies like lung disorders, and it can help break up and build-up in the throat. Comfrey is a laxative. It contains a substance which will relieve diarrhea and assist food digestion. These properties make comfrey very valuable to people with bowel disorders like irritable bowel syndrome. Studies have also found that comfrey is beneficial in treating ulcers and diabetes. Mucilage, a gum-based thing that is produced by comfrey, keeps the bowel from emptying and represses the amounts of glucose and insulin that peak after meals. It also helps eliminate cholesterol, and the amount of nutrients in the comfrey leads to better general health.

Comfrey as a Food Supplement

Comfrey is an excellent tonic or dietary supplement because it contains many nutrients and beneficial chemicals, including protein, vitamins A and C. Comfrey is also one of only two plants that naturally contain vitamin B12 (alfalfa is the other one). Comfrey has many other B-complex vitamins as well. It also contains mucilaginous fiber, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, sulphur, copper, zinc, selenium, and germanium.

source: http://www.naturalherbsguide.com/
General Safety Advisory
~The information in this document does not replace medical advice.
~Before taking an herb or a botanical, consult a doctor or other health care provider
-especially if you have a disease or medical condition,take any medications, are pregnant or nursing, or are planning to have an operation.
~Before treating a child with an herb or a botanical, consult with a doctor or other health care provider.
~Like drugs, herbal or botanical preparations have chemical and biological activity. They may have side effects. They may interact with certain medications. These interactions can cause problems and can even be dangerous.
~If you have any unexpected reactions to an herbal or a botanical preparation, inform your doctor or other health care provider

Health Tip: Red Meat and Breast Cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Women who eat more than 1.5 servings of red meat per day are nearly twice as likely to develop hormone-related breast cancer compared to women who eat fewer than three servings per week, according to a new Harvard study.
Researchers from Harvard Medical School examined records from The Nurses' Health Study -- which includes data on more than 90,000 women who were questioned on their dietary habits in 1991, 1995 and 1999 -- and found that red meat consumption is linked with a higher risk of breast cancer.
The researchers found that women who tend to eat more red meat are also more likely to be overweight and smoke cigarettes, which have both been linked with increased breast cancer rates. However, when the researchers took those factors into account, the women who ate more red meat still ran an increased risk of breast cancer.
"Our study may give another motivation to reduce red meat intake," said co-author Eunyoung Cho, whose study appeared in Monday's edition of the journal Archives of Internal Medicine.
However, according to Dr. Anne McTiernan of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, women who eat red meat occasionally should not go vegetarian based on Cho's study alone. McTiernan questioned the study participants' ability to accurately recall the amount of red meat they ate.
"A 16-ounce steak and a three-ounce piece of meat are counted the same," said McTiernan, author of "Breast Fitness." "People are horrible at determining what is a real serving."
Consumer advocate Mike Adams, author of "Grocery Warning," says Cho's findings indicate consumers should stop eating red meat entirely, and the risk applies to both fresh red meat and processed, packaged meats.
"These research findings come as no surprise, given what we know about the cancer-causing chemicals added to processed meats," Adams said. "Previous research on red meat reveals strong correlations with prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer and breast cancer, among other health problems.
"People who wish to avoid cancer are strongly advised to stop eating red meat for life and switch to a primarily plant-based diet," he said.

source; http://www.newstarget.com/

High Fiber Diet: Breast Cancer Prevention

A diet rich in fiber can halve the risk of breast cancer among young women, according to a new study by Leeds University. Cereal fiber, such as that found in whole bread and cereals, was found to be particularly effective.
"[This] study further highlights the importance of eating a healthy diet for reducing the risk of cancer," said Ed Yong, information officer for Cancer Research UK.
Researchers found no significant effect, however, on the breast cancer risk of post-menopausal women. Janet Cade, who headed the study, says that this is why no one has noticed the effects of fiber on breast cancer before.
"Previous research hasn't shown a convincing link between increased dietary fiber and the lower risk of breast cancer," Cade said. "But earlier studies didn't draw any distinction between pre- and post-menopausal women."
According to the study's authors, there are three possible reasons for the anti-cancer effects of a high fiber diet: First, fiber has a stabilizing effect on the body's insulin levels. High insulin levels have been shown to contribute to the risk of cancer. Second, high-fiber foods also tend to be rich in other essential nutrients, including those with antioxidant properties.
Third, and perhaps most relevant, dietary fiber reduces the levels of estrogen in the body, which has been shown to correlate with the risk of breast cancer. These levels are higher in younger women, which may explain the age split that researchers discovered.
According to the study, pre-menopausal women should eat at least 30 grams of fiber per day to reduce their cancer risk. By contrast, the American Dietetic Association recommends a minimum of 25 grams per day for a 2,000-calorie diet.
Breast cancer is the second most fatal cancer among women, after lung cancer. Between one in 13 and one in nine women will contract it at some point in their lives.
The study was funded by the World Cancer Research Fund and published in the International Journal of Epidemiology.

source:http://www.newstarget.com/

Nutrition Tips: Low Fat Diet and Breast Cancer

Eating a diet low in fat may reduce a woman's risk of breast cancer relapse, according to a study published on December 20 in the "Journal of the National Cancer Institute."
Researchers studied 2,400 post-menopausal women who had been successfully treated for breast cancer, and monitored their condition for five years. The women had all previously received standard treatments for their cancer, including surgery, hormone therapy, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
One group of women was asked to consume less than 33 grams of fat per day — 20 percent of their total calorie intake. The control group ate a standard diet of approximately 51 grams of fat per day, or 30 percent of their total daily calories. After five years, the relapse rate among those who had eaten the low-fat diet was 9.8 percent, compared with 12.4 percent for the control group — in other words, a 20 percent lower risk. The difference was statistically significant, said researchers.
When the researchers divided the breast-cancer cases depending on whether or not the tumors contained receptors for estrogen hormones, a different pattern emerged. Among those with estrogen-receptor-negative tumors, women who ate the low-fat diet had a 41 percent lower risk of recurrence. Preliminary results suggested that this difference became even more drastic when the observation period was extended past five years. Among those with estrogen-receptor-positive tumors, however, a low-fat diet produced no statistically significant difference in relapse risk.
The study could not determine the cause for the correlation between reduced fat intake and reduced risk.
Prior studies have shown a correlation between obesity and breast cancer risk, such that gaining 22 pounds can increase person's risk of contracting breast cancer by 18 percent.
The recurrence study — called the Women's Intervention Nutrition Study — was funded by the American Institute of Cancer Research.

source:http://www.newstarget.com/

Natural Herb or Supplement of the Week- Burdock Root

Continuing with our October Breast Cancer Awareness theme, here is a closer look at a herb mentioned in our previous post last week.

Many natural remedies have not been approved by the FDA yet have had success with many people. We at Healthy Living are just going to give you the treatment and claims of some of these Natural cures. In the end you have to decide whether it is right for you. Today's supplement is Burdock Root.

Burdock Root

Burdock is a root that is found in Europe in Asia. It has many medicinal qualities and has been used in many herbal remedies. The root is sweet to the taste and has a gummy consistency.

Traditionally, burdock has been used as a remedy for measles, arthritis, tonsillitis, viruses like colds, throat pain, and as a diuretic. In modern times, burdock is also used in oncology and to treat many other serious health problems.

Historical Uses of Burdock

Burdock root has often been used to purify the blood by removing toxins that can build up in blood. It can be taken orally or used topically as a remedy for skin disorders. Also, burdock root can be a diuretic or soothe aching joints. Traditional Chinese healers used burdock root in combination with other plants to make cures for colds, measles, throat pain, and tonsillitis. Burdock root was also popular in Japan as a source of vitamins and other nutrients. In modern times, burdock root has been employed in the treatment of certain cancers. However, this use of burdock root still needs to be systematically tested.

Historically, the seeds of the burdock plants were compressed to make a mixture that was effective in cleansing the bloodstream, easing pain from arthritis, and treating gout, rheumatism, ulcers, acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Its cancer-curing properties were also utilized in Russia and India. The Chinese used it as an aphrodisiac, and found it effective in treating barrenness and impotence.

Active Ingredients

Burdock’s active ingredients are arcigen, calcium, chlorogenic acid, essential oil, flavonoids, iron, inulin, lactone, mucilage, polyacetylenes, potassium, resin, tannin, and taraxosterol. The seeds of the plant contain beneficial fatty acids. The oil from the seeds can be used as a diaphoretic, which leads to increased perspiration, which is essential in cleansing the body of toxins or harmful elements. According to traditional healers, diaphoretics are integral to treating influenza, gallbladder or liver disorders, and to aid the kidneys which purify the blood.

Uses

Burdock root is eaten as a vegetable in many places. It has many nutrients like iron, inulin (a carbohydrate), and beneficial oils. Also, burdock can be used as a gentle laxative and help eradicate uric acid. Some of the active ingredients of burdock are polyacetylenes, which are known to be effective antibacterials and antifungals. Burdock enhances the performance of many of the organs which purify the body and eliminate toxins or waste (like the kidneys, liver, colon, etc). This enhances overall health and helps correct disorders.

Availability

Burdock is easily obtainable as an ingredient in teas, ointments, or pills. It is a powerful diuretic, and is safe to be taken internally, externally, or as food. However, it is important to make sure that the herb is pure. Some reports have indicated that burdock could have toxic properties, since cases of illness were reported that involved burdock tea. However, further analysis showed that the negative effects were the result of impure burdock root. Some belladonna, which contains atropine, had contaminated the burdock root. It is important to look at the source and purity of burdock root before obtaining it.

source: http://www.naturalherbsguide.com/

General Safety Advisory

~The information in this document does not replace medical advice.

~Before taking an herb or a botanical, consult a doctor or other health care provider

-especially if you have a disease or medical condition,take any medications, are pregnant or nursing, or are planning to have an operation.

~Before treating a child with an herb or a botanical, consult with a doctor or other health care provider.

~Like drugs, herbal or botanical preparations have chemical and biological activity. They may have side effects. They may interact with certain medications. These interactions can cause problems and can even be dangerous.

~If you have any unexpected reactions to an herbal or a botanical preparation, inform your doctor or other health care provider

Understanding Breast Cancer

Definition
Breast cancer is a malignant (cancerous) growth that begins in the tissues of the breast. Over the course of a lifetime, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
Alternative Names
Cancer - breast; Carcinoma - ductal; Carcinoma - lobular
Causes, Incidence, and Risk Factors
There are several different types of breast cancer.
Ductal carcinoma begins in the cells lining the ducts that bring milk to the nipple and accounts for more than 75% of breast cancers.
Lobular carcinoma begins in the milk-secreting glands of the breast but is otherwise fairly similar in its behavior to ductal carcinoma. Other varieties of breast cancer can arise from the skin, fat, connective tissues, and other cells present in the breast.
Some women have what is known as HER2-positive breast cancer. HER2, short for human epidermal growth factor receptor-2, is a gene that helps control cell growth, division, and repair. When cells have too many copies of this gene, cell growth speeds up. It's believed that HER2 plays a key role in turning healthy cells into cancerous ones. Some women with breast cancer have too much HER2, and are therefore considered HER2-positive. Research suggests that women with HER2-positive breast cancer have a more aggressive disease and a higher risk of recurrence than those who have HER2 negative breast cancer.
Risk factors for breast cancer include:
Age and Gender
As with most cancers, age is a significant factor. In fact, 77% of new cases and 84% of breast cancer deaths occur in women aged 50 and older. More than 80% of breast cancer cases occur in women over 50. Less than 1% of breast cancers occur in men. The risk of breast cancer is clearly related to hormonal influences, but how these affect the disease and particularly types of the disease is not yet clear.
Genetic Factors and Family History of Breast Cancer
Some families appear to have a genetic tendency for breast cancer. Two variant genes have been found that appear to account for this: BRCA1 and BRCA2. The genes p53 and BARD1 also appear to be important. Researchers have identified several other defective genes that may cause breast cancer, including BRCA3 and Noey2 (which is a disease inherited only from the father's side of the family). These discoveries suggest that breast cancer occurs when the body's anti-cancer surveillance and control systems, which normally get rid of abnormal cells, fail to work. The body's reduced ability to get rid of abnormal cells leads to damage that gradually accumulates. Women carrying mutated BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 genes start with pre-existing dysfunction of this system and have a "head start" in this damaging process. Hormones are important because they encourage cell growth. High levels of hormones during a woman's reproductive years, especially when they are not interrupted by the hormonal changes of pregnancy, appear to increase the chances that genetically damaged cells will grow and cause cancer.
Early Menstruation and Late Menopause
Women who get their periods early (before age 12) or went through menopause late (after age 55) are at higher risk. Also, women who have never had children or who had them only after the age of 30 have an increased risk.
Oral Contraceptives (birth control pills)
Birth control pills may slightly increase the risk for breast cancer, depending on age, length of use, and other factors. No one knows how long the effects of the pill last after stopping it.
Hormone Replacement Therapy(HRT) -- Use of HRT has been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer.
Obesity
Obesity is controversial as a risk factor. Some studies report obesity as a risk of breast cancer, possibly associated with higher levels of estrogen production in obese women.
Alcohol Consumption
Significant alcohol use (more than 1-2 drinks a day) has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Chemicals
Some studies have pointed to exposure to estrogen-like chemicals that are found in pesticides and other industrial products as a possible increased risk of breast cancer.
DES
Women who took diethylstilbestrol (DES) to prevent miscarriage may have an increased risk of breast cancer after age 40.
Radiation
People exposed to radiation, particularly during childhood, may face an increased risk for breast cancer in adulthood. Especially at risk are those that received chest irradiation for prior cancers.
Additional Risk Factors
Some studies show previous breast, uterine, ovarian, or colon cancer, and a strong history of cancer in the family may increase the risk for breast cancer. Such history may indicate genetic factors described above.
The Gail Model is a simple breast cancer risk assessment tool that is available online and takes into account the most important risk factors. A number of other models are also used.
source: http://www.healthcentral.com/

Health Information:Breast Cancer

Reduced Levels of Fat in the Diet May Decrease the Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence According to New Clinical Trial
Postmenopausal women who reduce their consumption of dietary fat and have been treated for early-stage breast cancer may reduce their chances for breast cancer recurrence or a second breast cancer, according to results from the Women's Intervention Nutrition Study (WINS). WINS was the first large-scale randomized trial to show that a change in diet can improve breast cancer outcomes in women who are receiving conventional treatment for early-stage breast cancer. Results of this study, which was sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, appear in the December 20, 2006, issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute* along with an editorial on the findings by NCI scientists**. This report is based on an interim analysis of the trial data.
The WINS study investigated a subset of women who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer and who were willing to enroll in a study to see if lowering fat in their diet would reduce the risk of their cancer recurring. Earlier in 2006, the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), which examined the effect of a low-fat diet on breast cancer risk, showed a trend toward a modest benefit of a reduced-fat diet on the incidence of invasive breast cancer.
"The relationship between dietary fat and breast cancer has been unclear," said NCI Director John E. Niederhuber, M.D. "Certainly there is accumulating evidence that a healthy lifestyle -- reduced fat consumption and exercise -- is a worthy goal to decrease risk and to optimize long-term therapy outcome."
WINS enrolled 2,437 women between 1994 and 2001 who had been treated for early-stage breast cancer. The women, ages 48 to 79, were randomly assigned to a lower-fat dietary intervention group or a control group who ate their regular diet.
At the start of the study, both groups consumed similar amounts of calories from fat; about 57 grams of fat per day or close to 30 percent of daily caloric intake. At the end of the first year of observation, the women in the dietary intervention group had reduced their fat intake by an average of 24 grams per day compared with only a 5 gram per day drop in the control group. The difference between the two groups was maintained throughout the trial. By the fifth year of the trial the women in the intervention group weighed an average of 6 pounds less than the women in the control group. Three more years of follow-up are currently being planned.
After a median of five years of follow-up, breast cancer recurrence or new breast cancers occurred in 9.8 percent of the women on the low-fat diet and in 12.4 percent of those on the standard diet. This amounted to a 24 percent reduction in the relative risk of recurrence for the women on the low-fat diet. The largest risk reduction -- 42 percent -- appeared to be among women on the low-fat diet whose tumors did not respond to the presence of the hormone estrogen. The risk reduction was 15 percent in women who did respond to estrogen. Breast cancer that doesn't respond to estrogen is called estrogen receptor negative (ER-negative) and usually has a poorer outcome than ER-positive disease. "Reductions were predicted in women with ER-positive disease because of the association between fat intake and estrogen levels, but the effect on ER-negative disease is, if verified, a surprising and potentially important observation regarding breast cancer and signals a possible new avenue of research," said John Milner, Ph.D., chief of the Nutritional Science Research Group at NCI.
"These results suggest that an intervention aimed at reducing dietary fat consumption can reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence," said principal investigator Rowan T. Chlebowski, M.D., Ph.D., of the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute in California. "Although further confirmation is needed, a low-fat diet may offer other health benefits, such as modest weight loss."
"In both WHI and WINS studies, it took about four years to detect a reduction in risk so clearly these are not immediate effects," said Milner. "It is also clear that some women benefit a lot more than others from a reduction in dietary intake of fat, possibly because a person's genetics may well be setting the tone for the benefits of dietary intervention." He also emphasized that a reduction in fat is just one of many dietary modifications that may influence the development of cancer.
In the accompanying editorial, Anne C.M. Thiébaut, Ph.D., et al., at NCI discuss various study limitations, including the use of self-report to track diet and possible imbalances in treatment between the two study groups. They also note the difficulty of conducting clinical trials where very dramatic lifestyle changes are involved, but conclude that WINS produced very important results for future consideration.
Funding for this study was primarily provided by the NCI's Division of Cancer Prevention. Funding for supplemental projects was provided by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the American Institute for Cancer Research.
###
*Chlebowski RT, Blackburn GL, Thomson CA, Nixon DW, Shapiro A, Hoy MK, et al. Dietary fat reduction and breast cancer outcome: interim efficacy results from the Women's Intervention Nutrition Study (WINS). J Natl Cancer Inst 2006; Vol. 98, No. 24, pp 1767-1776.
**Thiébaut ACM, Schatzkin A, Ballard-Barbash R, Kipnis V. Dietary Fat and Breast Cancer: Contributions from a Survival Trial. J Natl Cancer Inst 2006; Vol. 98, No. 24, pp 1753-1754.
For more information about cancer, please visit the NCI Web site at http://www.cancer.gov/, or call NCI's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237).
source:National Cancer Institute Website

Health Tips: Breast Cancer Factors

Factors Associated with Decreased Risk of Breast Cancer
Exercise
Based on solid evidence, exercising strenuously for more than 4 hours per week is associated with reduced breast cancer risk.
Magnitude of Effect: Average RR reduction is 30% to 40%. The effect may be greatest for premenopausal women of normal or low body weight.
Study Design: Prospective observational and case-control studies.
Internal Validity: Good. Consistency: Good. External Validity: Good.

Early pregnancy
Based on solid evidence, women who have a full-term pregnancy before age 20 have decreased breast cancer risk.
Magnitude of Effect: 50% decrease in breast cancer compared to nulliparous women or those who give birth after age 35.
Study Design: Cohort and case-control studies.
Internal Validity: Good. Consistency: Good. External validity: Good.

Breast-feeding
Based on solid evidence, women who breast-feed have a decreased risk of breast cancer.
Magnitude of Effect: The relative risk of breast cancer is decreased 4.3% for every 12 months of breast-feeding, in addition to 7% for each birth.[1]
Study design: Cohort and case-control studies.
Internal validity: Good. Consistency: Good. External validity: Good.
source:National Cancer Institute

Health tips: Breast Cancer Factors

Factors Associated with Increased Risk of Breast Cancer
Hormone replacement therapy/hormone therapy
Based on solid evidence, combination hormone replacement therapy (HRT; estrogen-progestin), also called hormone therapy (HT), is associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer. The evidence concerning the association between estrogen-only therapy and breast cancer incidence is mixed.
Magnitude of Effect for Combination Therapy: Approximately 24% increase in incidence of invasive breast cancer.
Study Design: Randomized controlled trials. Internal Validity: Good.
Consistency: Good. External Validity: Good.

Magnitude of Effect for Estrogen Only: Cannot determine because of mixed evidence.
Study Design: Randomized controlled trials. Internal Validity: Good.
Consistency: Poor. External Validity: Not applicable.

Ionizing radiation
Based on solid evidence, exposure of the breast to ionizing radiation is associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer, starting 10 years after exposure and persisting lifelong. Risk depends on dose and age at exposure, with the highest risk occurring during puberty.
Magnitude of Effect: Variable, but approximately a sixfold increase in incidence overall.
Study Design: Cohort or case-control studies. Internal Validity: Good.
Consistency: Good. External Validity: Good.

Obesity
Based on solid evidence, obesity is associated with increased breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women who have not used HRT/HT. It is uncertain whether reducing weight would decrease the risk of breast cancer.
Magnitude of Effect: The Women’s Health Initiative observational study of 85,917 postmenopausal women found body weight to be associated with breast cancer. Comparing women weighing more than 82.2 kg with those weighing less than 58.7 kg, the relative risk (RR) was 2.85 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.81–4.49).
Study Design: Observational study. Internal Validity: Good.
Consistency: Good. External Validity: Good.

Alcohol
Based on solid evidence, exposure to alcohol is associated with increased breast cancer risk in a dose-dependent fashion. It is uncertain whether decreasing alcohol exposure would decrease the risk of breast cancer.
Magnitude of Effect: The RR for women consuming approximately four alcoholic drinks per day compared with nondrinkers is 1.32 (95% CI, 1.19–1.45). The RR increases by 7% (95% CI, 5.5%–8.7%) for each drink per day.
Study Design: Case-control and cohort studies. Internal Validity: Good.
Consistency: Good. External Validity: Good.

Major inheritance susceptibility
Based on solid evidence, women who inherit gene mutations associated with breast cancer have an increased risk.
Magnitude of Effect: Variable, depending on gene mutation, family history, and other risk factors affecting gene expression.
Study Design: Cohort or case-control studies. Internal Validity: Good
Consistency: Good External Validity: Good.
source: National Cancer Institute

Natural Herb or Supplement of the Week - Breast Cancer Herbs

Going away from our normal format we give you some excerpts from the book Breast Cancer?Breast Health! which gives you an overview of herbal remedies and treatments for breast cancer.

Using Herbs Safely
Excerpt from Breast Cancer? Breast Health!
by Susun Weed
Plants feed us, clothe us, house us, heal us, and can help us keep our breasts healthy, yet they can harm or kill us. Here's how to use them safely.
When you buy herbs, check that they are labeled with the botanical name (e.g., Trifolium pratense). Common names for plants often refer to several plants; botanical names are specific to one plant. "Marigold" refers to two plants with different uses.Calendula officinalis, or pot marigold, is a medicinal herb; Tagetes is the marigold usually sold for flower borders.
Learn about the weeds of your doorstep. Become more aware of the vitality and abundance of Nature. Eat or use as a remedy one wild plant that grows near you this year. When you make your own medicines and healing foods, you control one of the major ways you can come to harm from using herbs: mistaken identity (or right label, wrong herb). Not that you can't make mistakes, but you're more likely to catch your own mistake than someone else's. When you make your own medicines and healing foods, they are fresh, full of energy, and in tune with you and your environment.
The results and safety of any remedy are dependent on the way it is prepared and used. Notice that I prefer infused herbal oils (not essential oils) and powerful herbal infusions (not herbal teas).
Different people can have different reactions to the same substance, whether drug, food, or herb. If you take lots of herbs mixed together and have distressing side effects, how can you know which one is the cause? For safety, I use one herb (sometimes two, and only rarely three) at a time. Limiting the number of herbs I use in one day helps me discern my response to the plant allies I've chosen. If I have an adverse reaction, I can tell which herb caused it, avoid that herb, and try other herbs with similiar properties.
Side effects from herbs are less common than side effects from drugs and usually less severe. If an herb disturbs your digestion, it may be that your body is learning to process it. Give it a few more tries before deciding it's not for you. An herb that really doesn't agree with you may cause nausea, dizziness, sharp stomach pains, diarrhea, headache, or blurred vision, and these effects will generally occur quite quickly. Stop taking the herb or reduce the dose dramatically. Slippery elm is an excellent antidote to poisons; see Materia Medica.When a dosage range is given, start with the smallest recommended dose and increase as needed. Note: 25 drops is 1 ml.
Respect the power of plants to change the body and spirit in dramatic ways, even when taken in minute doses.
Increase your trust in the healing effectiveness of plants by trying remedies for minor or external problems (side effects of orthodox cancer treatments, for instance) before, or while, working with your major and internal problems.
Gather-in person or in books-with others interested in herbal, homeopathic, and home remedies. Call on them as well as professionals when you feel uncertain. Develop ongoing relationships with knowledgeable healers who are as interested in helping you maintain health as in helping you cure problems.
Respect the uniqueness of every plant, every person, every situation.
Remember that you become whole and healed in your own unique way, at your own speed. People, plants, and animals can help in this process. But your body/spirit does the healing/wholing. Don't expect plants to be cure-alls.
If you are allergic to any foods or medicines, it is especially important to check out the side effects of any herb you are considering using.Herbs comprise a group of several thousand plants with widely varying actions. Some are nourishers, some tonifiers, some stimulants and sedatives, and some are potential poisons. To use them wisely and well, we need to understand each category, its uses, best manner of preparation, and usual dosage range.Nourishers are the safest of all herbs; side effects are rare. Nourishing herbs are taken in any quantity for any length of time. They are used as foods, just like spinach and kale. Nourishers provide high levels of anti-cancer vitamins, minerals (especially selenium), antioxidants, carotenes, and essential fatty acids.
Nourishing herbs in Breast Cancer? Breast Health! include: alfalfa herb, amaranth, astragalus root, calendula flowers, chickweed, comfrey leaves, dandelion herb, fenugreek, flax seeds, honeysuckle flowers, lamb's quarter, marshmallow root, nettle herb, oatstraw, plantain leaves and seeds, purslane herb, raspberry leaves, red clover blossoms, seaweeds (kelp), Siberian ginseng, slippery elm bark, violet leaves, and wild and exotic mushrooms.Tonifiers act slowly in the body and have a cumulative, rather than immediate, effect. They build the functional ability of an organ (like the liver) or a system (like the immune system). Tonifying herbs are most beneficial when they are used in small quantities for extended periods of time. The more bitter the tonic tastes, the less you need to take. Bland tonics may be used in quantity, like nourishing herbs. Side effects occassionally occur with tonics, but are usually quite short-term. Many older herbals mistakenly equated stimulating herbs with tonifying herbs, leading to widespread misuse of many herbs, and severe side effects.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, potentially poisonous herbs are used as tonics by women at high risk of developing breast cancer. (The herbs are taken daily, for one week only out of every six months.)
Tonifying herbs in Breast Cancer? Breast Health! include: barberry bark, burdock root, chaga, chaste tree berries, cronewort (mugwort), dandelion root, echinacea root, elecampane root, fennel seeds, garlic, ginkgo leaves, ginseng root, ground ivy, hawthorn berries, horsetail herb, lady's mantle herb, lemon balm herb, milk thistle seeds, motherwort herb, mullein leaves, parsley herb, pau d'arco, peony root, raspberry herb, red-root, schisandra berries, self-heal herb, sundew herb, St. Joan's wort, turmeric root, usnea herb, wild yam root, and yellow dock root.Sedatives and stimulants cause a variety of rapid reactions, some of which may be unwanted. Some parts of the person may be stressed in order to help other parts. Strong sedatives and stimulants, whether herbs or drugs, push us outside our normal ranges of activity and may cause strong side effects. If we rely on them and then try to function without them, we wind up more agitated (or depressed) than before we began. Habitual use of strong sedatives and stimulants-whether opium, rhubarb root, cayenne, or coffee-leads to loss of tone, impairment of functioning, and even physical dependency. The stronger the herb, the more moderate the dose needs to be, and the shorter the duration of its use.
Herbs that tonify and nourish while sedating/stimulating-especially oatstraw, motherwort, and peppermint-are among my favorite herbs. I use them freely as they do not cause dependency. Sedating/stimulating herbs that also tonify or nourish are used frequently in Breast Cancer? Breast Health! including: boneset flowers, catnip, citrus peel, cleavers, ginger, hops, lavender, marjoram, motherwort, passion flower herb, many mints (e.g., lavender, rosemary, sage, and skullcap herbs), and sheep sorrel.
Strong sedating/stimulating herbs used in this book include: angelica, bayberry, blessed thistle root, cancerweed, cinnamom, cloves, licorice root, marijuana, oak, osha root, passion flower herb, shepherd's purse, sweet woodruff, turkey rhubarb root, uva ursu leaves, valerian root, Venus's flytrap, wild lettuce sap, willow bark, and wintergreen leaves.
Potentially poisonous herbs are potent medicines. They activate intense effort on the part of the body and spirit. Potentially poisonous herbs are taken in tiny amounts and only for as long as needed. Unexpected side effects are common when potentially poisonous herbs are used without regard for their power. To increase your sense of security when contemplating the use of a potentially poisonous herb, consult other herbal references and several experienced herbalists.Potentially poisonous herbs in Breast Cancer? Breast Health! include: arbor vitae, arnica, autumn crocus root, belladonna, blood-root, celandine, chaparral, comfrey root (not leaf), foxglove, goldenseal root, henbane, iris root, Jimson weed, lobelia, May apple (American mandrake) root, mistletoe, poke, poison hemlock, stillingia root, turkey corn root, wild cucumber root.
source: vitamin and health supplement guide
General Safety Advisory
~The information in this document does not replace medical advice.
~Before taking an herb or a botanical, consult a doctor or other health care provider
-especially if you have a disease or medical condition,take any medications, are pregnant or nursing, or are planning to have an operation.
~Before treating a child with an herb or a botanical, consult with a doctor or other health care provider.
~Like drugs, herbal or botanical preparations have chemical and biological activity. They may have side effects. They may interact with certain medications. These interactions can cause problems and can even be dangerous.
~If you have any unexpected reactions to an herbal or a botanical preparation, inform your doctor or other health care provider.