Breast Cancer May Run In The Family, Study Shows

How many women with breast cancer have family members also suffering from the disease? The odds of getting breast cancer may have been there before being born, as some studies have shown. One study shows there is a close correlation between consanguinity and breast cancer incidence. Women whose first- degree relatives such as their mother, daughters or sisters who have breast cancer have a higher risk of contracting the disease. Another study shows baby girls who weighed more than 8.8 pounds at birth may be move prone to the disease in adulthood, and those who were breastfed are 20-35 percent less likely to get premenopause breast cancer.

Although studies are conflicting, don’t let a lack of family history of breast cancer give you a false sense of security. There are ways to improve your odds of avoiding the disease. Here’s some important facts and tips to remember from the reference book ” Natural Remedies Encyclopedia.” (4th ed.: 1998):

* Eat a nutritious diet centered around fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and nuts. Eat garlic and onions. Drink distilled water and fresh fruit and vegetable juices.

* Get extra fiber in your diet. Studies have shown that breast cancer is associated with poor intestinal health, constipation and low- fiber diets.

* Take coenzyme Q10 as well as full vitamin- mineral supplementation.

* Exercise by walking. Gradually build up until you are walking 2 miles, 4 times a week. Women who exercise outdoors have a lower incidence of breast cancer.

* Do not eat too much soy or peanut products. Do not eat meat, or dairy products. No alcohol, caffeine, or nicotine. No processed, fried, white-flour, and junk foods. Birth control pills, x-rays, and permanent black hair dyes increase the likelihood of later breast cancer.

* Wearing a bra for more that 12 hours a day increases the likelihood of breast cancer.

* You should examine your breasts regularly.