By: Dr. Linda Anegawa
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a global campaign to increase awareness of the disease. Adult women of all ages are encouraged to perform breast self-exams at least once a month, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
There are several environmental and lifestyle risk factors that could potentially influence the development of breast cancer, including:
• Lack of Physical Activity: A sedentary lifestyle with little physical activity can increase your risk for breast cancer.
• Poor Diet: A diet high in saturated fat and lacking fruits and vegetables can increase your risk for breast cancer.
• Being Overweight or Obese: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk for breast cancer. Your risk is increased if you have already gone through menopause.
• Drinking Alcohol: Frequent consumption of alcohol can increase your risk for breast cancer. The more alcohol you consume, the greater the risk.
source: The National Breast Cancer Foundation, INC.
Low Carbohydrate Dietary Intervention Improves Insulin, Hormonal Levels and Inflammatory Markers in Early Stage, Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Survivors
A study published by the Avera Cancer Institute shows that low carbohydrate dietary intervention improves insulin, hormonal levels and inflammatory markers in early stage, postmenopausal breast cancer survivors.
The results of the study concluded that:
1. A low carbohydrate dietary intervention can successfully be implemented in a group of overweight breast cancer survivors to achieve significant amounts of weight loss
2. A rapid and significant reduction in serum hormonal levels and serum inflammatory markers can be achieved with dietary intervention
3. This feasibility study provides additional support for larger trials evaluating the role of carbohydrate restriction in cancer survivors