Breast Cancer: What are the causes? Can i fight it naturally?

Welcome to this week’s edition of Diet and Fitness. Am Lawrencia and today am taking you through natural remedies for breast cancer prevention.

Breast cancer tumor

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast divide and grow without their normal control. Like a tumor in the breast, they tend to grow slowly. By the time a lump is large enough to be noticed, it may have been growing for as long as 10 years. It must be noted however that some tumors are aggressive and grow much faster.

Between 50 and 75 percent of breast cancers begin in the milk ducts, about 10 to 15 percent begin in the lobules and a few begin in other breast tissues.

The vast majority of breast cancer cases occur in females. This article focuses on breast cancer in women. However men are also at risk.

So what may cause breast cancer? What are the symptoms? Are there any natural remedies to prevent this condition? Lets go through this together.

Causes of Breast Cancer

• Obesity :- According to research post-menopausal obese and overweight women may have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Experts say that there are higher levels of estrogen in obese menopausal women, which may be the cause of the higher risk.
• Alcohol consumption – the more alcohol a woman regularly drinks, the higher her risk of developing breast cancer is. The Mayo Clinic says that if a woman wants to drink, she should not exceed one alcoholic beverage per day.
• Cosmetic implants may undermine breast cancer survival – women who have cosmetic breast implants can develop breast cancer and may have a higher risk of dying prematurely from the disease.

What are the symptoms

It is advisable to self examine yourself for any signs of these symptoms regularly. If you find that you have these signs, what should you do? You must visit your doctor as soon as possible. Following the natural remedies in this article after visiting your doctor will be of help. 

Natural remedies to prevent cancer

Broccoli

Broccoli is good for breast cancer prevention

Sulforaphane—a compound in broccoli—reduced the number of breast cancer stem cells  in mice, according to research from the University of Michigan. Eating broccoli may not deliver enough sulforaphane to achieve the same effect, but to get the most you can, eat your broccoli raw or briefly steam or stir-fry the green florets. (Boiling destroys some of the sulforaphane). Broccoli aside of cancer can help in your weight loss battle.

Kale juice

Kale

(kale contains ten times the beta-carotene of broccoli, which is known for being rich in beta-carotene)

The health benefits of kale are wide and varied, but when it comes to foods that pack an anti-cancer punch, it is almost impossible to beat kale. Kale is filled with cancer fighting nutrients such as beta-carotene. Research shows that pre-menopausal women who consume at least 2 servings of beta-carotene rich foods, such as carrots and kale, per day have 17% lower risk of developing breast cancer. 

Parsley

Parsley plant

According to scientists of University of Missouri this herb can actually prevent cancer-cell growth. Animals that were given apigenin, a compound abundant in parsley (and in celery), boosted their resistance to developing cancerous tumors. Experts recommend adding some pinches of minced fresh parsley to your meals daily.

Perform a self-exam on your breast-skin

STEP 1. Stand in front of a mirror. Raise your hands over your head and press them together. Look at your breast and look out for changes in the skin, such as changes in colour and texture.

STEP 2. Now lie down and put a pillow under your left shoulder. Put your left hand behind your head and massage your left breast with the pads of your three middle fingers of your right hand. Massage the breast in circles, moving closer to the nipple with each circles.

STEP 3. Squeeze your nipple gently and check if any fluid like blood, or a watery yellowish or pink discharge comes out.

Repeat the process for the right breast to complete the examination.

**REMEMBER: Men are also at risk, it is therefore advisable for men to perform this exams as well.

That is all for this week on Diet and Fitness. Join me next week Wednesday same time for another tip. Stay blessed.

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