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The GOOD News about Breast Cancer
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If you are like me, you are probably afraid of being one of the 1 in 8 women who will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. However, according to a recent Web MD article there is some good news for us concerning breast cancer.Leslie Ford M.D., associate director for clinical research in the National Cancer Institute’s Division of Cancer Prevention says, “We’re starting to understand the molecular and genetic basis of tumors, which is helping us develop better ways to treat the disease and even prevent it in high-risk women.”
Apparently there are some great ways to reduce your risk, such as fine tuning your diet and exercise, breastfeeding your baby, quitting smoking and taking new estrogen inhibiting drug regimens such as tamoxifen and raloxifene (which have not been approved by the FDA as of yet). I for one am very anxious to hear the FDA’s stance on these new breakthroughs, but am very hopeful nonetheless!
You never know what you can do, unless you try!
Labels: cancer
Moderate Sun Exposure May Be Good for You
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Although we know that solar radiation, specifically increased exposure to Ultraviolet A rays (UVA), is the primary cause of the malignant melanoma or skin cancer, some scientists are suggesting that a moderate exposure to the sun may be beneficial to us in the prevention of other forms of cancer and diseases.The reason for this is that the main source of Vitamin D for humans is the exposure of the skin to sunlight. Vitamin D3 is produced when one of its precursors in the skin reacts with Ultraviolet B rays (UVB). It only takes about 10-15 minutes, at least twice a week, for the skin to produce adequate amounts of Vitamin D. This would be at any time of the year in the tropics, and during spring and summer in temperate regions. This doesn’t happen in areas near the arctic circle and during winter in temperate regions. That is when scientists are saying more exposure to the sun may outweigh the risks.
Although scientists have found that the incidence of major internal cancers increases from north to south, they also saw that the survival rate is significantly higher for those living in southern latitudes. And this has been related to the higher exposure to UVB since it has been proven that Vitamin D can be beneficial in the prevention of certain diseases.
I myself, love the sun, being from the Tropics. It just gives you a sense of life and adds brightness to your day...of course, in moderation.
Ivelisse, BS, LD/N
Nutrition Specialist
Take care, take control and Enjoy!
I need help. I have a thyroid problem and am having problems losing weight. Is their anyone with hypothyroid disease have success losing weight and how are you doing it.
MammoMarathons and Breastivals
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The reasons remain unclear as to why the proportion of women getting mammograms has fallen. Nonetheless, this is a frightening statistic that I hope will not become the trend. And there is hope!
A hospital in Erie, PA has come up with the novel idea of holding what they call a MammoMarathon. The purpose of this event is to make mammogram appointments more readily available and less intimidating to women. With manicures, massages and the “buddy system,” women are sure to focus less on being scared and relax some.
Johns Hopkins also deserves recognition for their Breastival which is aimed at college-aged women. These are held on college campuses, and even internationally, to raise awareness for breast cancer with the focus on the importance of getting mammograms.
I commend these hospitals for taking such initiatives and interest in the health of our women world-wide. Sadly, I know too well the feeling of helplessness when a family member is diagnosed and treated for cancer, so ladies please schedule regular mammograms for your own sake and your family's.
To our longevity!
Tracey, MS, RD
Nutrition Specialist
"Where there's a will, there's a way"
Labels: cancer
Protect Yourself from Sun Protection Marketing
Like the post? Add Your Comments | Digg This Post! |Sun lovers beware! In 1999 the Federal Drug Administration published a series of guidelines for sun protection products. But, these outlines have been under scrutiny since their conception. And a more accurate set of rules and guidelines will not likely be published until sometime in 2009. In the mean time producers of “sun protection” products have more leniency to make unchecked and ongoing claims of sun protection. Currently, products are scrutinized for their ultraviolet B protection by means of a Sun Protection Factor or SPF rating. UVB rays are known to cause varying degrees of sunburn. However, we must be most wary of ultraviolet A rays for their more lethal damage often attributed to cancer. Until the new regulations are released many sun protection products and their labeling, ingredients and associated testing for ultraviolet A rays may go virtually unchecked. When the new rules are abided by, a 4 star system will outline the degree of UVA protection ranging from low to highest, in addition standard UVB SPF rating system. In the mean time keep your shades on and your best form of protection might be to find some shade!
Jerri, DTR
Nutrition Specialist
"You never know what you can do, unless you try"
Labels: cancer
Same day diagnosis, how quickly do you want to know?
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Ladies there is no more waiting for a breast cancer diagnosis. You can have a physical, mammogram, ultrasound and tissue biopsy in the morning and receive your results the same day! By the time you come back from lunch, you will have a diagnosis. I do not know about you, but I do not think I would be hungry, if I was waiting for my biopsy results. The good news, your chances for a good prognosis increase the earlier you detect it.
In case you are wondering where this is actually taking place, we need to cross the border north into Canada and go to the Princess Margaret hospital in Toronto. They now offer a “Rapid Diagnostic Breast Clinic”. It is the fastest and most advance biopsy testing system in the world, according to the article on Star.com. By having a fast diagnosis, you can save yourself 2 weeks of anxiety if you had done it the old fashioned way.
I wonder what will be next, spa treatments to help you relax while you wait to find out your results. I hope someone is working on that right now!
Wendy, BSc, DTR
"Thoughts determine what you want...Action determines what you get."
Labels: cancer
as a FYI so that others may be aware - with great thanks!
Survivors' Debate: The Past Decade in Ovarian Cancer
Two Locations (Novi, MI & Toronto, Canada)
blog: (for event details/registration) -
http://ovariancancerdebate.blogspot.com/
online survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=lKBUw1fUDlBFbVU4Wuy0MA_3d_3d
Can Caffeine Help Block the Sun?
Like the post? Add Your Comments | Digg This Post! |There is a new report out by the National Academy of Sciences that you caffeine junkies might want to run with. A recent research study conducted by The Laboratory for Research at Rutgers University found a potential link that leads scientists to believe that combining a healthy dose of caffeine and exercise can help destroy precancerous cells resulting from sun damage. The study was conducted on mice not men, but the scientific control sample that ingested caffeine while hitting the treadmill (or mice wheel, if you will), showed the greatest ability to protect against harmful solar radiation. Dr. Michael Gold, dermatologist and spokesman for the Skin Cancer foundation indicated that the study warrants further research and cautioned that until similar results are found in human trials we certainly cannot let down our guard against the harmful sun. “If you go outside, you have to wear sunscreen…it has to be caffeine and exercise with your sunscreen. I wonder if Starbucks will invent a sunscreen next?
Jerri, DTR
Nutrition Specialist
"You never know what you can do, unless you try"
Meats and Sweets Increase Risk for Breast Cancer
Like the post? Add Your Comments | Digg This Post! |A new study shows that breast cancer risks may be boosted when a diet rich in meats and sweets is eaten as a habit. This risk is as much as 60% higher than with a diet rich in soy, vegetables, and fresh fish. There is not a diet written specifically for breast cancer, but the study shows that certain dietary patterns can increase the risk. In the past, cancer rates have typically been low for Asian women, but as their rates are climbing, experts have begun to notice the effect of adopting the Western culture. Interestingly enough, while the meat, sweet diet did increase the risk, the vegetable-soy diet wasn't found to protect against breast cancer. It sounds like we westerners are still better off adopting more of the Asian culture rather than the other way around.
Jerri, DTR
Nutrition Specialist
"You never know what you can do, unless you try"
Labels: cancer
Ovarian Cancer, No Longer the Silent Killer!
Like the post? Add Your Comments | Digg This Post! |Ladies! If bloating and abdominal pain happen to you just once a month, you can now consider yourselves lucky! Historically, ovarian cancer was known as the “silent killer” because once diagnosed with it, your chances of survival were slim. However, recent studies show that there are a few symptoms that are associated with early signs of this type of cancer. These symptoms could save your life if the cancer is caught in its earliest stages. It has been found that bloating and abdominal pain are some of the first signs, but I am talking about pain that lasts a few weeks without sessation, and not just a few days. What else to look for?
Renee BS, LD/N, ACSM
Nutrition Specialist
"If you don't take care of your body, where are you going to live?"
Labels: cancer
Increased Cancer Risk for “tanorexic” Teenagers.
Like the post? Add Your Comments | Digg This Post! |It seems the sun rays may not be the only thing to blame when it comes to melanoma. Teenagers always seem to want the best of everything which sometimes include the perfect tan. So they spend hours each week baking under UV radiation in tanning beds. With skin cancer on the rise, why are parents allowing their teenagers to place themselves at risk to look darker for a prom or beauty pageants? I think parents need to educate themselves more on this issue because studies done by the Academy of American Dermatology suggest that people who frequent tanning parlors before age 35 have a 75% higher chance of getting melanoma.
Samantha, RD, LD/N
Nutrition Specialist.
"We are all measured by inches, ages, numbers and all the outside things that don’t add up to who we are on the inside. So let your weight loss journey be one of self-acceptance every step of the way. If you are unhappy with yourself fifty pounds heavier you’ll probably feel the same way when you lose the weight. Happiness is not embedded in outward appearances."
Labels: cancer
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