Mammography Pros and Cons

Yes, mammography has pros and cons. And mammography can reduce your risk of breast cancer by identifying BC at its earliest stages. At the same time, mammography causes a number of problems.

More importantly, women can reduce their risk of breast cancer through

nutrition,
supplementation and
lifestyle therapies.

Despite the fact that mammography has pros and cons, testing for cancer, all types of cancers, is important. However as a cancer survivor and cancer coach I’ve learned that prevention is more important and more effective in many ways, than screening.

What non-toxic therapies can reduce the risk of breast cancer?

Diet and Nutrition

Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support overall health and potentially reduce cancer risk. Focus on:
- Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts contain compounds that may have cancer-protective properties.
- Berries: High in antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, these can reduce inflammation.
Limit Alcohol: Alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Limiting or avoiding alcohol can reduce this risk.

Physical Activity

Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and hormone levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week, along with strength training exercises.

Weight Management

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity and being overweight, particularly after menopause, are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Healthy eating and regular exercise can help achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeed if Possible: Breastfeeding can lower the risk of breast cancer, especially if continued for a year or more.

Avoidance of Harmful Exposures

Limit Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Prolonged use of HRT for menopausal symptoms has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Discuss alternatives with a healthcare provider.
Reduce Exposure to Environmental Toxins: Minimize exposure to potential endocrine disruptors found in some plastics, cosmetics, and household products.

Regular Screening and Monitoring

Regular Mammograms: Early detection through regular mammograms and self-exams can improve outcomes. Follow guidelines based on age and risk factors.
Genetic Counseling and Testing: For those with a family history of breast cancer, genetic counseling and testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other mutations can provide information on risk and prevention strategies.

Stress Reduction and Mental Health

Manage Stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact overall health. Techniques such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can help manage stress levels.
Adequate Sleep: Prioritize getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support overall health and immune function.

Herbal and Nutritional Supplements

Vitamin D: Adequate levels of vitamin D may be associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. Consider supplementation if levels are low, after consulting with a healthcare provider.
Green Tea: Contains polyphenols, which have been studied for their potential protective effects against cancer.
Turmeric (Curcumin): Has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help in cancer prevention.

Community and Support

Support Groups and Counseling: Engaging in support groups or counseling can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation, which can be beneficial for overall well-being.

Personalized Risk Assessment

Personalized Medical Advice: Consult with healthcare providers to understand personal risk factors and tailor prevention strategies accordingly.

man hand holding his nutritional supplemets, healthy lifestyle background.

Here’s the payoff. Adopting some or all of the non-toxic therapies listed above will not only reduce your risk of breast cancer but, in all likelihood, reduce your risk of a host of other diseases and health problems in the future.

If you would like to learn more about non-toxic therapies to reduce your risk of breast cancer, email me at David.PeopleBeatingCancer@gmail.com

thank you,

David Emerson

Cancer Survivor
Cancer Coach
Director PeopleBeatingCancer

Mammograms have pros and cons for people in their 40s. Women can handle the nuance

“New research makes the case for educating women in their 40s, who’ve been caught in the crossfire of a decades-long debate about whether to be screened for breast cancer with mammograms, about the harms as well as the benefits of the exam…

After a nationally representative sample of U.S. women between the ages of 39 and 49 learned about the pros and cons of mammography, more than twice as many elected to wait until they turn 50 to get screened, a study published Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine found…

…But many remain unaware of the costs of routine screening in their 40s –

in false-positive results,
unnecessary biopsies,
anxiety and
debilitating treatment for tumors that left alone would do no harm…

‘We’re not being honest’

Learning about the downsides of mammograms did not discourage women from wanting to get the test at some point, the study showed.

The benefits and the harms of mammography came as a surprise to nearly half the study participants. More than one-quarter said what they learned from the study about overdiagnosis differed from what their doctors told them…

“I think most people are completely unaware of the risks associated with screening because we’ve had 30, 40 years of a public health messaging campaign: Go out and get your mammogram, and everything will be fine,” she said in an NPR interview…

Esserman sees women who are diagnosed with slow-growing tumors that she believes in all likelihood would never harm them. In addition, mammography can give women a false sense of security, she said, like it did for Olivia Munn…

The National Cancer Institute estimates that more than 300,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 42,250 will die in the U.S. this year. Incidence rates have been creeping up about 1% a year, while death rates have been falling a little more than 1% a year…

Diagnosed with Cancer? Your two greatest challenges are understanding cancer and understanding possible side effects from chemo and radiation. Knowledge is Power!