HEALTH CARE
Some Facts About Breast Cancer:
Almost daily, there has been some reference to
breast cancer in the media. Mainstream medicine has been quite
vocal regarding breast cancer detection, but barely audible concerning
the prevention. Yet, some experts believe that the reduction of
certain environmental toxic exposures, such as cigarette smoking
etc., and the adoption of certain dietary changes, such as adding
more fruits and vegetables to the diet can reduce exposures to
certain types of cancer
Experts also believe that, hereditary factors/ genetic
may also play a role in higher breast cancer risk. A good deal
of attention, has been given to the cancer genes, BCRA 1 (which
stands for breast cancer 1, and BCRA2, which is found in families
were there is a history of both breast and ovarian cancer. (Keon,
1998)
Still, not all experts believe that carrying the BCRA,
gene is a necessarily a death sentence. Carrying this gene does
not always mean that one is guaranteed to develop breast cancer.
On the other hand, carrying this gene is a disadvantage, and should
be seen as all the more reason to make lifestyle choices that
might reduce our risk factors.
In a recent breast cancer prevention seminar put on by
Terry Burk and Dan Sullivan, it was mentioned that the use of
anti-persperant deodorants might play a risk factor in breast
cancer. The most common forms of breast cancer are located near
the armpit. Most breast cancer tumors have been found located
in the upper outside quadrant of the breast. Anti-perspirants
used under the armpits pose a risk to women because it traps toxins
in the body. However, the uses of deodorants that are not anti-persperants
are okay to use.
Some of the toxins that accumulate in our bodies are naturally
deposited through our lymph nodes under our armpits when we perspire. However, with the use of anti-perserants, one
is prevented from perspiring. Thereby, inhibiting the body from
purging toxins from under the armpits.
Women are more at risk of being exposed to breast cancer,
due to anti-perspirants. Men are less likely to be exposed to
breast cancer, even though they are not totally exempt.
Some common symptoms associated with breast cancer may
include a rash on the areola. Persistent redness, oozing and crusting
on the nipple might also indicate signs of breast cancer. It is
also important that women do a monthly breast cancer self check
exam for any signs of lumps. Women should check for any unusual
lumps in the breast by circulating their fingers around the entire
breast with the tips of the fingers in a circular motion.
They should examine for lumps under armpits as well as
the entire breast itself. For more information about breast cancer
or how to perform a breast exam, consult with your physician or
contact the breastcancer resources listed below:
Breast Cancer Resources
Bay area Breast Cancer Network
4010 Moore Park Ave.
San Jose, Ca, 95117
Or
Breast Cancer Action
Contact:Barbara Brenner
55 New Montgomery
San Francisco, Ca
(415)243-9301
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