Cancer Prevention month – Let’s Get Educated!

In 2020, breast cancer was the fifth most common cause of cancer death in Australia.

1 in 7 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. About 1 in 500 men are diagnosed in their lifetime.

In honour of Cancer Prevention Month, Gr8 Health is dedicated to illuminating the importance of cancer prevention, offering insightful and educational content to keep you well-informed and empowered! This cause is very close to our hearts – read our blog A Tribute to Women: Breast Cancer and the Power of a Fighting Spirit – about Anna, sister of our founder Sam. 

We have gathered the most common questions asked about breast cancer so you can arm yourself with knowledge, find reassurance, and navigate your journey with greater understanding and confidence!

 

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. There are different kinds of breast cancer – the kind depends on which cells in the breast turn into cancer.

Most breast cancers begin in the ducts or lobules. Breast cancer can spread outside the breast through blood vessels and lymph vessels. When breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it is said to have metastasised.

The most common kinds of breast cancer are invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive lobular carcinoma.

 

Is breast cancer preventable?

There is no sure way to prevent breast cancer. But there are things you can do that might lower your risk. This can be especially helpful for women with certain risk factors for breast cancer, such as having a strong family history or certain inherited gene changes.

Breast cancer prevention starts with healthy habits — such as limiting alcohol and staying physically active. 

 

Can breast cancer spread?

In some women with breast cancer, cancer cells break away from the cancer in the breast. The cancer cells spread to other parts of the body in blood vessels or lymphatic vessels and form a new cancer deposit. This can happen before or after treatment for breast cancer.

The most common places that breast cancer spreads to are the bones, liver, lung and brain. Having metastatic  breast cancer does not mean that cancer will spread to all these places.

 

How often does breast cancer return?

Recurrence is relatively uncommon, but the specific rate of recurrence depends on factors, like your breast cancer stage and treatment.

Most local recurrences of breast cancer occur within five years of a lumpectomy. You can lower your risk by getting radiation therapy afterward. You have a 3% to 15% chance of breast cancer recurrence within 10 years with this combined treatment. Based on genetic testing, your provider may recommend additional treatments to further reduce your risk.

 

Should I consider genetic testing? 

Usually, genetic testing is recommended if you have: A strong family health history of breast and ovarian cancer. 

Genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer looks for mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Your doctor might suggest testing using a multigene panel, which looks for mutations in several genes at the same time, including BRCA1 and BRCA2.

 

Best Supplements for Breast Health

Vitamin D

Women with low vitamin D levels may be at risk of developing breast cancer. The best source of this essential vitamin is from the sun; however, during the winter months, it’s much harder to ensure you’re getting sufficient vitamin D exposure. 

Therefore, your provider may recommend a vitamin D supplement, which may help reduce your risk of breast cancer and control healthy cell growth. 

Metagenics Vitamin D3 1000IU 90 Capsules

Henry Blooms Vitamin D3 1000 IU 60c

Herbs of Gold Vitamin D3 1000 120 Caps

Curcumin

For over 2,000 years, curcumin has been recognised for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation. But this yellow chemical compound found in Turmeric may also help prevent certain diseases, including breast cancer. 

Furthermore, research suggests curcumin may also reduce the spread of certain cancers and improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy by protecting healthy cells. 

Curcumin Advanced 30 Capsules

Blackmores Curcumin One-A-Day 30T

Nature’s Help Curcumin Plus 60T

Fish Oil

Fish like salmon, tuna, or trout contain Omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. It’s recommended that you consume at most 2-3 servings of Omega-3 fatty acids a week. However, if you don’t like fish or worry about high levels of mercury, fish oil supplements are a good substitution.

Melrose Fish Oil High Strength 200ml

Herbs of Gold Fish Oil 1000 200c

Henry Blooms Odourless Natural Fish Oil 1000mg 400c

Flaxseed

Another great source of Omega-3, flaxseed may contain cancer-fighting properties to help reduce breast cancer cell growth. It’s also available in whole and ground forms. Therefore, you can easily add it to recipes, salads, yogurts, and other tasty dishes.

Melrose Australian Flaxseed Oil 500ml

Every Bit Organic Raw Flaxseed Oil 250ml

Melrose Flaxseed Oil Capsules 240Caps

 

Knowledge is a powerful ally, and our goal is to empower you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your health – Gr8 Health is a Trustworthy Platform for Educational Material and Tips on How to Boost your Health and Wellness

REFERENCES:
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/what-is-breast-cancer.htm#:~:text=Breast%20cancer%20is%20a%20disease,in%20the%20ducts%20or%20lobules

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/breast-cancer-prevention/art-20044676

https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/affected-cancer/cancer-types/breast-cancer/metastatic-breast-cancer#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20places%20that,spread%20to%20all%20these%20places.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8328-breast-cancer-recurrence

https://www.cdc.gov/genomics/disease/breast_ovarian_cancer/testing.htm#:~:text=Usually%2C%20genetic%20testing%20is%20recommended,or%20Eastern%20European%20Jewish%20ancestry

https://breastcenter.mplsrad.com/blog/supplements-for-breast-health/