By Krystal Smith, D.O.
Studies indicate that a mostly plant-based diet is optimal for overall health including staving off numerous types of cancer, including breast cancer. Therefore, a diet rich in vegetables, berries, whole grains, seafood, nuts, and seeds is ideal for a healthy lifestyle. Limiting amounts of meat, sugar, chemical and processed foods may factor in lowering breast cancer risks. Transitioning to a Mediterranean style diet or Vegan if you prefer not to include any animal protein is a great way to increase wellness on multiple levels. These lifestyle choices can also help prevent or lower the risk of other cancers, heart disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes, to name a few.
Along with diet, there are multiple other ways to decrease your risk of breast cancer.
Alcohol: Drinking has been more commonplace in our society than ever, and it’s not out of the ordinary to hear women talk about wine Wednesdays, mommy juice and needing a glass of wine or a cocktail to unwind. The issue is that drinking can quickly spiral out of control and more than one serving of alcohol per day can increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer significantly. Alcohol increases hormone levels and thereby increase hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer.
Tobacco: Smoking also increases cancer risks.
Plastic: Plastic has numerous chemicals and toxins that are leached into bottles, storage containers, plastic wrap, and other internal and external means. Reducing the amount of plastic you use and making sure to never microwave food in plastic is essential.
Toxins and Chemicals: Avoiding excessive chemicals in lotions, deodorant, cosmetics, shampoo, and soap can help your body by having less chemicals to try and process and detox through the liver. The fewer chemicals that are floating through the bloodstream and tissue, the healthier you will be.
Exercise: Staying physically active is very beneficial for living a healthy lifestyle and reducing most chronic illnesses including breast cancer. Try to get in 30 minutes a day at least 3 to 5 times per week.
Walking is a great way to get in your exercise and also reduce stress. There are a lot of benefits that occur by walking outside, as this increases vitamin D and also oxygen levels.
Reducing Stress: Finding different ways to relax to ward off anxiety is also very important, as stress can increase your risk of cancer and cellular degeneration.
Take the Initial Steps: Not everyone is going to have the perfect lifestyle chock full of clean living but making steps to living healthier every day is important for wellness and longevity. Once you start feeling the benefits of being healthier, introducing more beneficial lifestyle choices is easy.
Screenings SAVE Lives: Screening for breast cancer is something that you need to stay on top of. It’s easy to miss appointments and forget to reschedule due to our busy lives, but if you are due or overdue for your mammogram, don’t delay scheduling it any longer. Many breast cancers can spread quickly. Early diagnosis is key for survival rates and optimal outcomes.
ACR Guidelines
According to the American College of Radiology (ACR), they recommend annual mammographic screening beginning at age 40 for women of average risk. Higher-risk women should start mammographic screening earlier and may benefit from supplemental screening modalities. For women with genetics-based increased risk (and their untested first-degree relatives), with a calculated lifetime risk of 20% or more or a history of chest or mantle radiation therapy at a young age, supplemental screening with contrast-enhanced breast MRI is recommended. Breast MRI is also recommended for women with personal histories of breast cancer and dense tissue, or those diagnosed by age 50. Others with histories of breast cancer and those with atypia at biopsy should consider additional surveillance with MRI, especially if other risk factors are present. Ultrasound can be considered for those who qualify for but cannot undergo MRI. All women, especially black women and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, should be evaluated for breast cancer risk no later than age 30, so that those at higher risk can be identified and can benefit from supplemental screening.
Breast Center of Naples
Here at Breast Center of Naples, breast imaging is all we do! Dr. Smith and her specialized staff have dedicated their lives to caring for women and the early detection of breast cancer. In contrast to other imaging centers, your care will solely be provided by fellowship trained breast radiologists and a team of specialized technologists and sonographers. Not only do we offer this specialized care, we do this in a unique setting unlike any in Collier County. Our luxurious, spa-like, atmosphere awaits you where you are treated like family as soon as you enter the office. When you first arrive, you will experience our beautiful reception area and welcoming staff. Once it is time for your imaging, you will be taken to our calming secondary waiting area with ample dressing rooms and a plush robe for your exam.
Advanced Equipment and Technology
We have only state of the art equipment which includes Hologic 3D Mammography, GE ultrasound, and Hologic bone density. We offer the area’s only true screening ultrasound program for patients with dense breast tissue. All of these services are offered in one of the area’s newest Class A buildings – The Kraft Center.
Contact The Breast Center of Naples Today.
239-238-1210
Breastcenterofnaples.com
3555 Kraft Rd., Suite 350, Naples, FL 34105