Each year about 240,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and about 40,000 will die from it.  There is no way to prevent it for sure, but there are things you can do to lower your risk.  There are risk factors that are innate and you are simply born with them and there are other that you can control.  To fully understand your risk of breast cancer you need to look at these risk factors. By understanding your risk of contracting breast cancer you can work with your doctor to try to lower these risks.  Just because it runs in the family doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get it – so don’t be disheartened about that. 

The things you don’t have control over include your race, genes, sex, age, menopausal status, drugs and treatment, menses onset and family history.  The things you can control are pregnancy, breastfeeding, hormone replacement therapy use, alcohol, smoking, diet, exercise and your weight.

You can lower your risk for breast cancer by taking care of your breast health.  Doing regular self breast exams is one good way to take care of your breast health.  This can help detect breast cancer at an early stage and can be very effective in protecting your breast cancer health.  

You can also educate yourself about breast lumps, cysts, tumors and other breast abnormalities.  The more education you submit yourself to the better chances you have of staying aware.  When you are aware of changes in your breast than you’ll be able to detect things early, which will lower your chances of developing full blown diseases. 

There is hope that breast cancer may one day be preventable.  Estrogen is the cause of almost 80% of breast cancer there are many studies that are focused on drugs to affect estrogen levels.  There have been some luck with estrogen receptor modulators that can help in preventing breast cancer.  There is also work being done to prevent mastectomies from having to be performed.  

According to a recent study coffee and tea drinking do not increase the chance of getting breast cancer.  This study was recently published by one of China’s largest news agencies, Xinhuanet.com.   

Dr. Davaasambuu Ganmaa of the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts said that with the large group of women he studied there was no elevated risk between those who drank coffee and tea and those who didn’t.  This means that caffeine does not seem to elevate one’s chances of getting breast cancer. This is great news for all the women out there who love their morning cup. The doctor also made comments that when used in moderation they are very safe beverages to drink.

This study was entitled the Nurses’ Healthy Study and it followed woman who were between the ages of 30 and 55 when they began the study.  This study tracked 85,987 women – a remarkably large sample.  This sample size is excellent in terms of producing results that are more accurate than a smaller sample. 

During the 22 years of tracking the women, 5,272 of these women developed breast cancer.  However, there was not an increased risk among those who drank four or more cups of coffee in comparison to those who only drank one or two cups per day. 

The study also took into play other factors that could potentially make an impact on the likelihood of breast cancer.  These factors were age, history, body mass, smoking status, physical activity, alcohol consumption, family history, how many children, hormone therapy and menopause. 

Overall this study helps us to understand more about factors at play in developing breast cancer or not.  It can be hard for us in our daily lives to regulate what we eat and when we eat it.  Knowing that coffee and tea are still acceptable beverages makes things a lot easier in our day-to-day existence.  To ready the full article please go to the following link.  

According to a Georgetown University researcher, eating soy products during puberty can lower the risk of breast cancer.  A certain chemical known as genistein in soy products is what protects women, but only if eaten during puberty.  This was published in the British Journal of Cancer.  Now these scientists must find out why this soy seems to help women out and protect them from breast cancer, which is the most commonly found cancer in women.

         According to the researcher it’s all about timing and if they can learn why this protection happens they’ll be able to prevent more cases of breast cancer.  Although there are a number of different theories of why eating soy during puberty can help lower breast cancer risks, no one knows for sure why this happens.  The researches have followed Asian women during puberty and afterwards who naturally eat soy in large amounts in their diet.  They have shown that the protective effect can lead to 50% reduction in the chance of breast cancer when soy is eaten during puberty. 

         Besides their human studies they have also studied these effects on mice and rats.  In rats the evidence has shown that eating genistein showed a reduction in developing mammary cancer.  However, exposure to soy to the fetus or in adults does not help as much as when it is consumed during puberty.  Some study suggest it is because it got rid of the kinds of cells where breast cancer originates or made these cells fewer in number. There is also evidence that this chemical helps to contribute to the production of beneficial proteins in the body that may have an effect on lowering the chances of getting cancer. 

         If you have young daughters, it could be worth introducing soy products in their diets.  Soy products such as tofu, soy milk and other products are delicious and healthful – and just could lower their risk of developing breast cancer later in life. 

The women who suffered from PTSD were known to have had a mood disorder such as depression or problems with anxiety than those who had not had such disorders before.  Those suffering from anxiety disorders seemed to have been even more likely than those who had depression alone to suffer from PTSD following a breast cancer diagnosis. 

For these women who have already suffered from anxiety and mood disorders it is not surprising that they developed post traumatic stress disorder.  For those that are about to undergo cancer treatment it can be a stressful situation, but for those already prone to such problems than it can be even worse. 

One way to combat this problem is that those who’ve been recently diagnosed with breast cancer and also have a history of such mood and anxiety disorders is that they receive special counselling and help at the time of their diagnosis.

Studies have also show that some women have ‘subsyndromal’ PTSD.  This means they had many symptoms of PTSD but not full-blown.  This was found in about 20 percent of women.  These women were more likely to have had some mood disorders, but not as likely to have and an anxiety disorder. 

The study also found that people who had previously abused alcohol or drugs that they were more likely to have such symptoms.  Of those women who developed PTSD about a third had had problems with alcohol and substance abuse.

If you fit this profile and have been recently diagnosed with breast cancer, than you should consider getting more help to avoid suffering from PTSD.  You can find out more and read the full findings on this website.

Good nutrition is key for everyone, but its even more critical for someone fighting breast cancer.  After she had breast cancer twice,  Diana Grant Dyer, a nutritionist came up with a diet for battling cancer.  She was struck again in 1995 at the age of 45 and was hit with a very aggressive breast cancer.  She was angry and upset when she had this diagnosis so she was set on beating cancer and doing everything in her power to do so.  This included eating the right things. 

Many scientists are not sure what the best thing is for cancer patients and breast cancer patients in particular to consume.  Diana didn’t have time to lose so she decided to do as much research as possible to find out about a great diet plan.  She needed to see if she could muster eating this healthy too – so from her diet plan to the kitchen, she’d need to see if it was feasible. 

Its been five years since she’s had cancer and it hasn’t come back. She knows there is no magic cure for cancer out there, but she does know too that diet can play a real role in preventing cancer.  She claims to have a ton of energy these days and tells others who want to switch to the diet to try just one piece at a time. It can be hard to completely change one’s eating habits all at once, so just give yourself time and do it step by step.  Here’s a couple of her tips from her successful diet plan:

Grains – Everyday you should eat between three to six whole grain foods.  This means cutting out the white bread and opting for other grains.  You can choose between brown rice, bulgur, quinoa and other types of dark grains.  You should also buy products you like that are made from whole grains – this can include cereal, bread and even tortillas.  Since you are eating fiber rich foods you’ll be lowering estrogen in your body and this might help fight breast cancer. 

Beans – Eating one to two servings of beans everyday.  You can put them on almost anything and it’s easy to make them if you buy them in a can.

Nuts – Eat nuts a few times a week.

Fruits & Veggies – Eat at least nine servings a day. 

For more of her diet and health information check out this article. 

If you are facing a mastectomy you know what a scary prospect that can be.  You’ll want to feel as good as you can without having to worry about what you’ll wear after the surgery.  This was the reason that breast cancer survivor and entrepreneur Linda Jackson began Ladies First, Inc.  Their signature product is the SOFTEE, which is the perfect undergarment for someone whose just undergone a mastectomy. 

Linda’s story begins in 1985 when she was a happy wife and mother of three children.  She was active in her community and at the young age of 36 was not a prime candidate for cancer, however she did get breast cancer.  She was forced to undergo a modified radical mastectomy on her right breast.  At the age of 40 she had cancer again and needed another mastectomy. 

During this time she realized it was hard to find anything to wear that made her feel comfortable after her surgery.  She couldn’t believe there was nothing for women to wear to get their shape back when they aren’t ready yet for a bra or a prosthesis.  So she decided to invent her own product to suit her needs at this crucial time. She designed the first SOFTEE for her own personal use, but she realized that this could be something that could help many women after breast cancer surgery.

The SOFTEE is a covered by Medicare and also by many private insurance companies.  This makes life a lot easier for so many women before they go back to work or home.  The camisole with a v-neck has soft poly-fil breast forms inside to restore shape discreetly.  It easy to get in and out of the top in case for doctor’s appointments or easier changing. 

The company is now over 17 years old and has more products than just the SOFTEE.  The SOFTEE and Ladies First other products have been a rewarding product for the creator because of all the positive testimonials she’s gotten back from users.  For women coming out of breast surgery having something comfortable and with a shape in it has been a big help with confidence. 

If you are recently diagnosed with breast cancer and looking for a little inspiration than you should check out the popular new book, “Don’t Bet Against Me” by Deanna Favre and Angela Elwell Hunt.  Deanna Favre also happens to be the wife of celebrity football player Brett Favre of the Green Bay Packers. Now that she is cancer free she is an advocate for other women with breast cancer and does what she can to raise money for those who are uninsured or underinsured and face breast cancer.  She does much of her work these days through the Hope Foundation. Here’s more about her story…

Deanna Favre was having the time of her life as a mother to two daughters and happy in her marriage to her famous football star husband.  This all changed when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Deanna was just a simple girl from a small town in Mississippi and she was never one to look for the spotlight, rather she let her husband take all the glory. 

Several key things happened in her life, the 2003 death of her father-in-law on the even of her husband team the Green Bay Packer’s victory.  A few months later in October of 2004 her brother died tragically in an ATV accidents.  Deanna was still grief stricken when she learned that she had breast cancer.

Deanna emerged as a fighter through all these tragedies in her life.  Her book was a chance to share her memories with others and for them to learn more about this public person who is really just like us.  She went from single mother to married to a star and stayed the same throughout these changes.  As she dealt with breast cancer and the loss of her brother she also remained the same.  Deanna is a great inspiration to us all and through the HOPE Foundation she is able to pass on her inspiration to others who are looking for hope during breast cancer.

You can find her book “Don’t Bet Against Me,” at bookstores or order it online. She is proof to how ordinary people can face and tackle difficult circumstances and beat them. 

This Mother’s Day some of the famous women of the world are joining together to help fight breast cancer.  This year Oprah Winfrey, Sharon stone, Courtney Cox Arquette, Faith Hill and more are getting together to raise money for the cause. 

These women have signed The Pampered Chef, Pink Kitchen Gloves and Pink Aprons.  The funds raised from the sale of these items will go to help early detection and to raise money for breast cancer education. 

Many of these famous women are also mothers, which include Tori Spelling, Meredith Viera, Nancy O’Dell and others – including the ladies from the View.  All the benefits will go to the American Cancer Society. 

The American Cancer Society reports that breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the US and anyone can develop it.  Now because of the popularity of early mammograms and better treatment, the five-year survival rate has gone up to 98%. 

The founder and chairman of The Pampered Chef, Doris Christopher, knows just how many people cancer affects and how we all know people who’ve suffered from breast cancer.  She wants to help spread awareness about the disease and help support women who’ve had breast cancer.  She thinks the women who’ve survived breast cancer have incredible strength and  need to be honored for their strength. 

The Pampered Chef, “Help Whip Cancer” campaign is in its 9^th year and they are offering many different limited-edition pink goods such as the kitchen gloves and aprons.  The Pampered Chef has about 50,000 consultants worldwide.  They are raising money through sales of their products, as well as through promoting breast cancer education.

So if you are celebrating Mother’s Day this year with women you love than consider buying a Pampered Chef product to help raise money for breast cancer, while also finding the right gift.  You should know that Pampered Chef has already raised over $6 million dollars for the American Cancer Society.  To read more about this check out this site. 

Jennifer Goode of J.Goode Designs will be walking for the cure this year.  You can check out her funky and fun designs on her website. Check out her blog to learn more about her, her designs and her walking for the cure.  www.jgoodedesigns.com  She’s even taking one of her penguin friends with her on the walk, so she’ll have a little company. 

She’ll be doing the Seattle walk in September of 2008 to support the Susan G. Komen foundation.  It’s a three day walk and she’ll be covering 60 miles. She plans to blog about herself getting in shape and about the walk itself. She may also let us follow her with some great video footage – although she says we should beware since she’s not a professional video editor. 

She’s teamed up with Affiliate Marketers Give Back to help raise money for breast cancer.  This great group is supporting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-day walk this year, by raising money and supporting walkers. 

She’s looking for ways for you to get involved, so if you aren’t walking yourself and don’t have a team to support than consider supporting Jennifer in her walk. 

The proceeds are all going to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and National Philanthropic Trust.  This trust supports research into breast cancer, education, testing and treatment. She’s looking for all the support she can get, so if you want to get involved and support her in her journey, you can go to her donation page.  You’ll receive a mention in her special ‘Thank You’ page, so you won’t go unnoticed. 

If you want to do something larger, than consider becoming a sponsor of her group.  There will be 12 team members wearing logo shirts during the 3-day walk.  If you or your company donate over $1000 then you can have your logo on their t-shirt. 

So check out her web site and learn more about her, her designs and what she’s doing for breast cancer awareness this year.  You can also help in other ways by spreading the word about her website and the walk, as well as buying certain products on her site that are going to raise money for breast cancer. 

Across the United States there are many non-profits doing great things for women with breast cancer.  If  you are undergoing treatment for breast cancer and live in the Southern California area, then you should definitely know about Breast Cancer Survivors.  Since 1998, this non-profit has helped people who are fighting breast cancer and are in need of financial support just to get by. 

You can find more information about them at www.bcsurvivors.org.  They raise money through fundraising, grants and donations.  They also depend on a network of volunteers to provide their services and help people suffering with breast cancer.  Here’s a breakdown of what they focus their activities on:

• Help breast cancer patients who are unable to meet their basic needs during their treatment. 
• Be a financial support to women who are undergoing treatment or are going into or are recovering from surgery. 
• Help these patients find more help from other organizations if necessary.  This means being a referral for these patients when they need to find out about other organizations that can help support them during their treatment and recovery. 

Since 1998, Breast Cancer Survivors have spent over a million dollars on over 200 patients, as well as provided some form of help and support to 350 women.  The average age of the patients is 54 years old and are all women.  Although services are offered to men, only women thus far have benefited from services.  Over half are from Orange County, California, while others are from Los Angeles and other areas of Southern California.

No matter where you live, it’s important to learn about all the different types of organizations helping people around the country and the world who are facing breast cancer.  If you know someone in Southern California facing breast cancer than make sure they find out about www.bcsurvivors.org