As we get older we need to consider ways of decreasing disease brought about by lifestyle choices.
Breast cancer is a devastating illness for a woman and her family. Any possible way of avoiding it should be examined. The risk of breast cancer increases with age. A woman of 60 years old is about 7 times more likely to contract breast cancer in the next ten years than a woman of 30. Although younger women are not immune it is largely a disease of middle age and later life. But women can minimise the risks.
The World Cancer Research Fund has found that alcohol, obesity and lack of exercise is a factor in 40 per cent of breast cancers. Mothers who breastfeed also reduce their risk of contracting the disease. The World Cancer Research Fund recommends that women exercise for at least 30 minutes a day and limit daily alcohol consumption to one small glass of wine or equivalent.
Exercise does not have to be in the gym. A walking fitness program of 30 minutes a day can just be a half mile stroll out and a half mile stroll back again. Of course it is better to do two miles in that time, but any exercise helps. To lose weight diet must be considered, but less alcohol and more exercise is a beginning.
There is a school of thought that says bra wearing may cause breast cancer. The theory is that the disease is caused by impaired lymphatic flow, resulting from the wearing of a bra.
Research suggests that women who wear their bras 24 hours a day have a 3 out of 4 chance of developing cancer.
Women who wear a bra 12 hours a day have a 1 out of 7 risk.
Those who wear bras seldom or never have a 1 out of 168 risk. This is the same as for men.
It should be noted, however, that some authorities do not agree with these conclusions, considering that there are other factors involved and more detailed and accurate research is needed. A pragmatic approach would be for a woman to wear a bra a maximum of 12 hours a day. That will do no harm and may well do a lot of good.
As mentioned above, weight loss is obtained through exercise and a healthy diet. Cancer Research UK suggest that women consider the following:
Replace animal fats with polyunsaturated fats (in many vegetable oils and margarines) and monounsaturated fats (such as olive oil)
Eat more isoflavones (found in soy, peas and beans) and lignans (found in vegetables, fruits, grains, tea and coffee)
Eat more fibre from wheat bran, cereals, beans, fruit and vegetables
Make sure they have enough calcium in their diet – from milk, cheese and other dairy foods, green leafy vegetables (such as broccoli, cabbage and okra, but not spinach), soya beans, tofu, nuts, bread, and fish where bones are eaten, such as sardines and pilchards
Eat foods high in carotenoids (chemicals that the body changes to vitamin A) such as carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, and tomatoes
By following these guidelines, women will be eating a better diet. This helps keep their weight within normal limits and can protect against a variety of chronic health conditions including breast cancer
Breast cancer is a devastating illness for a woman and her family. Any possible way of avoiding it should be examined. The risk of breast cancer increases with age. A woman of 60 years old is about 7 times more likely to contract breast cancer in the next ten years than a woman of 30. Although younger women are not immune it is largely a disease of middle age and later life. But women can minimise the risks.
The World Cancer Research Fund has found that alcohol, obesity and lack of exercise is a factor in 40 per cent of breast cancers. Mothers who breastfeed also reduce their risk of contracting the disease. The World Cancer Research Fund recommends that women exercise for at least 30 minutes a day and limit daily alcohol consumption to one small glass of wine or equivalent.
Exercise does not have to be in the gym. A walking fitness program of 30 minutes a day can just be a half mile stroll out and a half mile stroll back again. Of course it is better to do two miles in that time, but any exercise helps. To lose weight diet must be considered, but less alcohol and more exercise is a beginning.
There is a school of thought that says bra wearing may cause breast cancer. The theory is that the disease is caused by impaired lymphatic flow, resulting from the wearing of a bra.
Research suggests that women who wear their bras 24 hours a day have a 3 out of 4 chance of developing cancer.
Women who wear a bra 12 hours a day have a 1 out of 7 risk.
Those who wear bras seldom or never have a 1 out of 168 risk. This is the same as for men.
It should be noted, however, that some authorities do not agree with these conclusions, considering that there are other factors involved and more detailed and accurate research is needed. A pragmatic approach would be for a woman to wear a bra a maximum of 12 hours a day. That will do no harm and may well do a lot of good.
As mentioned above, weight loss is obtained through exercise and a healthy diet. Cancer Research UK suggest that women consider the following:
Replace animal fats with polyunsaturated fats (in many vegetable oils and margarines) and monounsaturated fats (such as olive oil)
Eat more isoflavones (found in soy, peas and beans) and lignans (found in vegetables, fruits, grains, tea and coffee)
Eat more fibre from wheat bran, cereals, beans, fruit and vegetables
Make sure they have enough calcium in their diet – from milk, cheese and other dairy foods, green leafy vegetables (such as broccoli, cabbage and okra, but not spinach), soya beans, tofu, nuts, bread, and fish where bones are eaten, such as sardines and pilchards
Eat foods high in carotenoids (chemicals that the body changes to vitamin A) such as carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, and tomatoes
By following these guidelines, women will be eating a better diet. This helps keep their weight within normal limits and can protect against a variety of chronic health conditions including breast cancer
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