Breast cancer,

[Rupiasih Nyoman]

Dear all,

I am sending an article about "breast cancer" below. I hope that is value for all.

Salam,
   Rupiasih



Breast cancer

 Breast cancer is the growth of tumour cells, which have the potential to spread to other organs. It is more common in females because of the various risk factors that are associated with the hormone estrogen. Due to lifestyle changes, more women today do not breast-feed, which puts them in the risk category. This includes those who do not have children.

Breast cancer is extremely rare below the age of 20 and thereafter its incidence increases. It occurs in males too, but accounts for less than 2% of all cases and less than 1% of all cancer in males. The risk of male breast cancer is related to increased exposure to estrogens or to reduced androgens.

According to principles and practice of Oncology, 7^th Edition, by DeVita, certain food habits and exercise can help reduce the risk of getting breast cancer.

DIET

·         A low-fat diet may help reduce the risk of recurrence as well as reduce the risk in women whose diets are very high in fat, to begin with.

·         A good intake of one of the five flavonoid categories, called flavones (found in grains, leafy vegetables, and herbs), reduces its occurrence to a modest extent. The other flavonoids have no beneficial effects, including those found in tea and fruits, and in soy and soy products.

EXERCISE

            One of the first malignancies found to be prevented by physical activity was breast cancer. Studies suggest that whether a woman is pre or post-monopausal, if she exercised around 3 ours a week moderately in her adolescence, her risk of breast cancer falls by about a third. And if she kept up an average of 4 hours a week throughout her life, then her chances fall by around a half. One explanation is that exercise may lower estrogen levels and estrogen stimulates breast tissue.

            The evidence also suggests if you're already doing a lot of exercise, increasing it further won't make much of difference.

 

(With inputs from Dr Loraine Kalra,

Sr consultant, oncologist, Fortis, Noida).

 

(Source: Times Life: Sunday, July 1, 2007, p.:2 (Indian New Paper))