The MedicalMinute™ is where I address current and news worthy medical topics and add my own personal comments and opinions.
—Dr. Milinda
I attended a Health Fair at the Bartonville, Texas Town Square recently. There was an acceptable turn out for the health fair considering it was “tax free” weekend for purchasing back to school clothes and was also threatening rain all morning. The display directly across the parking lot from our display was “The Race For The Cure” by the Susan G. Komen Foundation. They had hand outs on self breast exams as well as a plastic model for illustrating the correct method for breast exams. I continue to recommend monthly self breast exams to all of my patients.
I began discussing with the ladies behind the table all the many factors in our lives that can contribute to the increased incidence of breast cancer. One commented that she had heard that hormones added to chicken feed could be a contributing factor. I agreed with her that, through our foods and the environment, we are exposed to a large number of estrogen-like substances (xeno-estrogens) that increase our risk for developing breast cancer.
I also mentioned other factors that increase your risk for developing breast cancer such as iodine deficiency, Vitamin D deficiency, obesity, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, genetics, and the way your body metabolizes estrogen, hormone imbalance, the use of synthetic hormones, the use of deodorants that contain aluminum and wearing under wire bras. There are, of course, additional factors which involve pregnancy and breast feeding.
As I began discussing these issues, I could tell that these ladies were unaware of the connection between breast cancer and their lifestyles and nutritional issues. The increased rate of breast cancer in the United States is a result of our modern lifestyle—and is multi-factorial. There is not a single simple solution. All the contributing factors need to be addressed.
The cure for breast cancer is prevention.
I believe that educating women as to the many contributing factors is the key to prevention. I believe that breast cancer is a preventable disease. Only 10% of breast cancers are due to a genetic disorder that increases the risk for developing breast cancer. That means that 90% of breast cancers are theoretically preventable. Iodine and Vitamin D deficiencies can be addressed. Estrogen metabolism can be enhanced and hormones can be balanced. Life style and nutrition can be improved. Eating only organic foods and grass-fed-only beef can be implemented. Avoiding exposure to pesticides and toxic chemicals can make a difference. Lymphatic drainage therapy to the breast can relieve lymphatic blockage and promote the removal of toxins.
I have included a paper by Dr. K.G. McGrath in my area on toxins which discusses the risks involved with the use of aluminum in deodorants.
Answers are available for women. No woman ever wants to hear the diagnosis of breast cancer. Let's walk, run and race for the cure with prevention.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER: DrMilinda.com is designed to be informative and educational, not to diagnose or manage medical conditions. Consult your private physician for diagnosis, treatment and management of any medical condition.