Recent research by Cancer Research UK found that that two thirds of woman with newly diagnosed breast cancer are now able to survive at least 20 years. This figure is up 20% from the early 1990's and 10 years on the outlook has never been this up beat.
Overall long-term survival for women with breast cancer has improved dramatically over the last 10 years and we are seeing even better survival statistics for women in their fifties and sixties
Professor Coleman (Cancer Research UK epidemiologist)
"Overall long-term survival for women with breast cancer has improved dramatically over the last 10 years and we are seeing even better survival statistics for women in their fifties and sixties." stated Professor Coleman, Cancer Research UK's epidemiologist.
Prof Coleman predicted that survival for younger women would also improve though a little less dramatically than in older age groups.
"Women diagnosed today have a much brighter future than those who faced breast cancer a generation ago. Detection rates have certainly increased as a result of the breast screening programme. And breast cancer treatments have improved enormously thanks to the success of cancer research – so much of which is funded through the generosity of the public." said Dr Richard Sullivan, director of clinical programmes at Cancer Research UK.
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month is now in full swing, Christian Today looks at simple ways to help reduce your risk:
Do's
Eat more soy
Soy contains a type of phytoestrogen, or plant oestrogen, called isoflavones, which lower your body's natural production of oestrogen. Increased levels of oestrogen are linked to a higher risk of breast cancer. Breast cancer is virtually unheard of in countries like Japan, where soy is an important dietary staple. Researchers from the University of Ulster have also found that a soy-based diet can inhibit breast cancer growth. Try substituting soy milk in your cereal or make stir fries using soy bean curd. Miso soup is also a good source of soy.
Get your thyroid checked
Women with an underactive thyroid have a 61 per cent lower risk of developing breast cancer, according to a recent study in the American journal, Cancer. Thyroid hormones and oestrogen share similar pathways in your body and decreased thyroid hormones are believed to curtail rampaging oestrogen. If you do have an underactive thyroid, you can control the symptoms, including fatigue, poor circulation, depression, and high cholesterol. If you've got an overactive thyroid, you might have a rapid, irregular heartbeat, feel jumpy, sweat excessively, suffer from insomnia and have difficulty concentrating. If you're concerned about suffering from any of these symptoms, visit your GP to discuss having a thyroid test.
Use more olive oil for cooking
Researchers at Northwestern University in the U.S. have found that a key ingredient in olive oil - oleic acid - cuts activity levels of a gene believed to trigger breast cancer. The gene is linked to aggressive tumours with a poor prognosis. Olive oil can also protect against heart disease and ageing. Eat little, but often Insulin is a very powerful growth factor and keeping insulin low reduces unwanted cellular multiplication, especially with breast cancer. The worst, fastest growing cancers are anaerobic and must burn sugar. Keeping sugar levels low by diet and by maximising insulin sensitivity reduces the fuel that cancers must burn. Therefore, eat five to six tiny meals a day to keep your blood sugar on an even keel.
