Latest trends in screening and prevention of breast cancer
Breast cancer is a major epidemic around the world, even in the well-developed countries such as the US. According to a research, every one woman in eight has breast cancer. Although the number has decreased quite significantly over the past few decades (30% less since the 1970’s), the number of women who are suffering from the disease is still staggeringly high. Therefore, immense amount of research is being carried out for the screening and prevention of breast cancer, and new technological advancements bring about new opportunities to rid the people of this horrific disease.
Mammography is the most common way of breast cancer screening. It has been successful over the past years, and 
has lowered the risk of people dying from breast cancer by over 20% among the ages 50-70. However, there is still much improvement to be carried out in the method, as over diagnosis and frequent false positive results have caused harmful effects. Mammography has been effective among the women lower than 40 years of age (over 15 % reduction), the benefits are still limited, as breast cancer is usually uncommon at this age, and the mammography method is also less sensitive to age groups below 50. For women with the highest risk, resonance imaging is the preferred option.
Another option is to go for a Functional Thermography. The advantage is of a Thermography
is that there is NO radiation during this test. Thermography uses infrared sensor to measure temperature differences on the surface of the breast and other parts of the body. Cancer may cause abnormal heat patterns. The Functional Thermography measures not just the breast but the whole body, including the teeth.
For prevention of breast cancer, few simple steps may be taken:
1. Avoid being overweight:
Research has shown that obesity has been a major factor for breast cancer. Doctors have suggested to have daily balanced meals, consisting of vegetables and fruits, as well as a fair amount of meat. For cooking, it is preferred to choose vegetable oils instead of animal fat. It is optimal to always keep the body mass index lower than 25.
2. Remain in good shape:
According to a research carried out, being physically active and exercising regularly reduces the chance of breast cancer significantly, (over 30%). It is best to get at least a 30 minute walk every day, preferably during the start of the day.
3. Breast feed your baby for as long as possible:
If you bear a child, it is best to breastfeed the baby for as long as possible. Study 
shows that women who breastfeed their babies for over a year are less prone to breast cancer than normal women at the age group.
4. Avoid smoking:
Along with other harmful effects on health, smoking is a major cause for cancer. Among women, this can be in the form of breast cancer. It is best to avoid smoking at all times. If one may be a regular smoker, it is better to seek therapy.
5. Avoid hormone replacement:
According to a study, menopausal hormone replacement greatly increases the chances of breast cancer. If one still wishes to take hormones for controlling menopause, do not take hormones that have progesterone, and limit their use to less than once every three years. Hormone creams should also be avoided as they pose the same threat as prescription hormones.
Email me now for information about a Functional Thermography session. This is the alternative way for early detection of any kind of illness.
Johanna Oosterwijk N.D.
