Today, my mother told me that my family has a high risk of breast cancer. Is there anything I can do/eat/drink/not do/ etc etc etc that might help minimize my chances of one day getting it?
The sucky truth is some people get cancer even though they do everything right and live healthy lives, while other people do not and yet do not end up with cancer. Some people die from cancer while other people recover. There is no real explanation for this, a lor of it is simply chance. For you, I would recommend becoming familiar with out own body so you can recognise if there are any changes. Also, regular breast screening when you get older. At the moment, this wouldnt be all that effective for you because of your age - the tissue is too firm, unless you want to pay for an MRI which is really expensive. As already mentioned, things like breast feeding reduce the chances of breast cancer
As danielle said, early screening is the key. Besides what others have said, hormone replacement therapy has shown to increase breast cancer risk. I'm not familiar with studies on phytohormones and breast cancer risk, but it may be a good idea to stay away from it. Oral birth controls also increase chances of getting breast cancer.
It may be worth talking to your mother and finding out what exactly the family history is. Seeing a geneticist may also help. Having a BRCA1, BRCA2, and several other gene mutations can significantly increase your chances of getting breast cancer. The probability of breast cancer with some mutations is extremely high, and can occur in both breasts.
They say anti-oxidants have some sort of cancer preventing properties.
Non-genetic cancers are always preceded by two things: 1. Over-use 2. Under-use
Over-use would mean playing too rough. So, i think trauma/injury to the breasts like bumping on it and stuff might cause you to have cancer in the future.
Under-use, well, i'm not sure on that one. =)
Don't smoke, don't eat unhealthy, do a job with not much stress.
Go to the doctor every other year and have a check-up.
Having kids while you are in your 20ies and breastfeeding them also reduces chances for breast cancer, but I wouldn't have a family early if it doesn't go well with your other plans for life. :-)
i watched a documentary on this about 1 month ago and its very simple..
you have your boobs scanned once every 4 years to minimise the risk of it going unnoticed.
no it wasnt a documentary, it was embarrassing bodies and its on 4od so you can go and watch it :p
Some chemicals in our everyday products are toxic and may cause cancers. Parabens - a common preservative in shampoos and moisturizers - was found in breast tumors in a study years ago. I avoid using products that contain parabens and sulfates.
tomato juice is said to be good, along with tumeric powder & black pepper in warm milk.
