Friday, October 16, 2009

Breast Cancer-Advances in prevention


A number of recent advances will help prevent,detect and treat the disease that women dreaded so much.

The good news is that breast cancer survival rates are among the highest of all cancers. Overall, nearly 89 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer live for at least five years after treatment.

These lifestyle changes and early detection methods are key that can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

  • Excercise. Aim to excercise 30minutes three to four times a week. Regular excersice may help prevent the disease by boosting immune function,warding off obesity, and lowering levels of estrogen and insulin.


  • Drink less Alcohol. Research has shown that two drinks a day could increase their risk of 10 percent.


  • Weight. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2006 concluded that women who lost 22 pounds after menopause reduced their risk of developing breast cancer by 45 percent.


  • Eat your veggies. A low-fat diet can do a lot to reduce women's risk, but for even more protection, add some cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli to your plate.
  • Know your family history. "In about 15 percent of breast cancer cases, there is a family history of the disease," Freeman says.If you have one first-degree relative who had breast cancer, your lifetime risk doubles, and if you have two your risk increases five-fold.
  • Get checked. All women should have a clinical breast exam at least  every three years and annual exams and mammoggrams starting at the age of 40. Women with a family history should begin screening 10 years prior to the family member's age of diagnosis.

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