Breast Cancer Prevention

Elaine Mansfield

1. Eat a diet low in animal fat. Animal fats stimulate colonic bacteria to synthesize estrogen, and high estrogen increases the risk of breast cancer.

2. Keep your diet low in saturated and polyunsaturated fats. Use moderate amounts (at least 2 tablespoons a day of monosaturated oils. Olive oil is the best; canola is second best.

3. Splurge on organic. Commercially raised meat, poultry, and eggs contain estrogenic hormones used to promote growth and fertility in animals. Many pesticides have estrogenic effects. Buy organic if you can and avoid foods high on the food chain. Thoroughly wash or peel commercial produce.

4. Aim for 10 servings of fruit and vegetables a day (serving = 1/2 cup). Use cabbage family vegetables daily.

5. Eat a high fiber diet - whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

6. Drink lots of water to keep your bowels moving daily.

7. Use foods rich in phytosterols - soy products, some herbs (see Susun Weed).

8. Use foods high in anti-oxidants - fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, garlic, onions.

9. Avoid alcohol consumption. Dozens of studies show significant risk. Caffeine is linked to fibrocystic breasts and breast pain, but not to breast cancer.

10. Maintain a normal weight and exercise at least three hours a week in at least three sessions.

11. Dr. Christiane Northrup suggests taking selenium, bioflavanoids, and lactobacillus acidolphilus. She also suggests avoiding HRT and birth control pills.

12. Avoid screening mammograms until the menstrual cycle has stopped.

13. Nurture yourself. Our tendency is to care for everyone but ourselves.