Month: October 2022

During the month of October, the nation comes together to educate and spread awareness about breast cancer. It’s a time to promote the importance of screenings, early detection, prevention and research. Statistics show one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, making it one of the most common cancers among women. While there is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, there are some ways you can reduce your risk. Read along to learn more about foods that may help reduce your risk of breast cancer.

Berries

Not only are berries delicious, they also are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins that can protect cells, repair cells and slow the spread of cancerous cells. According to a study published in the journal Antioxidants, blueberries and blackberries may play a role in reducing the growth of tumors and breast cancer cells. Besides these, there are many other delicious berries that can offer numerous health benefits:

• Cranberries
• Elderberries
• Boysenberries
• Lingonberries
• Raspberries
• Strawberries

Dark Leafy Greens

Whether you enjoy a big salad or add greens into your morning smoothie, dark leafy greens are another great way to add antioxidants to your diet. These can help destroy free radicals that cause cancer, and contain carotenoid antioxidants including beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. A study from 2012 showed that women with higher levels of carotenoids in their blood had a significantly reduced risk of breast cancer.

• Kale
• Arugula
• Spinach
• Mustard Greens
• Chard
• Collard Greens
• Bok Choy

Beans

Packed with fiber, vitamins, and other nutrients, beans are considered a superfood. The antioxidants can help fight off cancer while the vitamins and minerals can strengthen the immune system to make you less vulnerable to many illnesses and diseases, lowering your risk of developing breast cancer. When buying beans, try to always get fresh or dried beans rather than canned, which are typically filled with high amounts of sodium and other additives.

• Chickpeas
• Kidney Bean
• Black Beans
• Lentils
• Navy Beans
• Peas
• Pinto Beans
• Soybeans

Healthy Fats

Specific types of fish are full of healthy fats and antioxidants that can reduce inflammation that is associated with breast cancer. Fatty fish can be used in many different recipes like salads, tacos and sandwiches.

• Anchovies
• Herring
• Kippers
• Trout
• Tuna
• Sardines
• Salmon

Cruciferous vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables are known for being cancer fighting foods. They are full of glucosinolate compounds, which your body converts to molecules called isothiocyanates that have anticancer benefits. A study involving Southern Chinese women linked higher total cruciferous vegetable intake to a reduced risk of breast cancer.

• Cauliflower
• Cabbage
• Broccoli
• Brussels Sprouts
• Turnips
• Rutabaga
• Watercress
• Radishes

Citrus

High in Vitamin C, folate, calcium and many other important nutrients, citrus fruits can help prevent and fight breast cancer. They are delicious on their own as a snack, or can be easily used in recipes, tea, water and more.

• Oranges
• Grapefruit
• Kumquats
• Lemons
• Limes
• Pomelos
• Tangerines

While there are plenty of other foods that can help reduce your risk of developing breast cancer, these are just a few that taste great and are easy to add into your diet. Following a nutritious diet that includes these foods can help reduce your risk of developing cancer and benefit your health in many other ways. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and all year long, it is important to know your risks. If it’s been over 12 months since your last mammogram, now is the time to schedule. Mammograms save lives, and one of them may be yours. Call 330-965-5100 to schedule your mammogram today!

During the month of October, the nation comes together to educate and spread awareness about breast cancer. It’s a time to promote the importance of mammograms, early detection, prevention and research. Studies show one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, making it one of the most common cancers among women. With breast cancer being so common, it is crucial women understand the importance of starting mammograms at age 40.

What is a Mammogram?

A mammogram is an X-ray picture of your breast used to check for early signs of breast cancer. Images from a mammogram can detect breast cancer much earlier than a physical breast exam. At your appointment, you will stand in front of an X-ray machine and a technologist will place your breast on a plastic plate. Another plate firmly presses your breast from above, flattening the breast and holding it still while the X-ray is being taken. You will feel some pressure, but it is not painful.

The Southwoods Center for Breast Health offers the most technologically advanced, comprehensive breast health services in the area. Southwoods’ advanced 3D Mammography (tomosynthesis) significantly increases the detection of breast cancer and offers more comfortable testing, faster scan times and less radiation exposure. This technology combined with our compassionate care makes Southwoods the number one choice for breast health.

When should I get a Mammogram?

Women 40 and older should have a screening mammogram annually. Early screening can significantly lower your risk of dying from breast cancer, and early detection can give you more options for treatment if diagnosed. According to the American Cancer Society, more than half a million breast cancer deaths have been prevented in the United States since 1989 because of these testing measures. If you are unsure when to begin screenings or are concerned you may be at risk, talk to your healthcare provider about the best screening plan for you.

Screening vs. Diagnostic Mammogram

Screening tests (yearly mammograms) are given routinely to people who appear to be healthy and are not suspected of having breast cancer. The goal of a screening mammogram is to find breast cancer early, before any symptoms can develop and the cancer is easier to treat.

Diagnostic tests (such as breast MRI, ultrasound or elastography) are given to people who are suspected of having breast cancer, either because of symptoms they may be experiencing or a screening test result. Diagnostic tests are used to determine whether or not breast cancer is present and, if so, whether or not it has traveled outside the breast. They can also be used to determine the course of treatment and gather more information about the cancer.

It’s important to remember regular medical screenings are the most effective way to detect various forms of cancer early in their development. Early detection is the best form of protection. In early stages, treatment is likely to be most effective and recovery a more probable outcome.

If it’s been over 12 months since your last mammogram, call the Southwoods Center for Breast Health at 330-965-5100 to schedule your appointment today.