Did you know that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime?
It’s crazy to think that breast cancer can affect some many of us. Imagine that out of your circle of friends, 1 in 8 of them will be diagnosed with breast cancer. What if that one was you? I don’t mean to scare you but reality is, breast cancer can affect any of us even men.
The good news is that “when breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 100%” according to the American Cancer Society.
While diet, lifestyle, and genetics play a critical role in our health and wellbeing, there are easy things you can do right now that may help you avoid that dreaded disease.
- Do a monthly breast self-exam – The National Breast Cancer Organization Breast Self-Exam has an easy one to follow
- Don’t use antiperspirants: Use non-toxic deodorants like Z Natural Life deodorants
- Avoid tight-fitting bras and bras with underwire
The Breast Self-Exam
This is something that is so easy to do and can literally save your life. I had a coworker who was religious about her monthly exams. One day she found a lump that was cancerous but she was able to get help right away. She unfortunately had to get a mastectomy but at least, thirteen years later, she is still with us. Early detection is key!
For an easy guide, check out the National Breast Cancer Organization Breast Self-Exam.
Even with best of intentions, life gets busy making it so easy to forget to do your self exam. That is why I recommend that you add a reminder every month. That is what I do.
The Pits
Applying deodorant is probably part of your daily routine. Or at least it should be.
Ahh this brings me back to summers in Europe. Taking the subway in Paris can be quite tough on the senses!
Do you know what’s in your deodorant? Or do you still use antiperspirants because you don’t want sweaty armpits. I get it. It’s embarrassing to smell or to have those yucky circles under the armpits.
According to the Cancer website, “research suggests that aluminum-based compounds… may be absorbed by the skin and cause estrogen-like (hormonal) effects. Because estrogen has the ability to promote the growth of breast cancer cells, some scientists have suggested that the aluminum-based compounds in antiperspirants may contribute to the development of breast cancer.”
According to Dr. Mercola, “using the wrong antiperspirant may influence your breast cancer risk…Antiperspirants work by clogging, closing, or blocking the pores that release sweat under your arms — with the active ingredient being aluminum. Not only does this block one of your body’s routes for detoxification (releasing toxins via your underarm sweat), but it raises concerns about where these metals are going once you apply them.”
It’s important to use a deodorant vs an antiperspirant especially one with non-toxic ingredients. Avoid any deodorant that has aluminum or alum or parabens. One great option is Z Natural Life’s Deodorants.
The Bras
Tight-fitting bras:
Dr. Mercola states “many physicians and researchers agree that wearing a tight-fitting bra can cut off lymph drainage, which may contribute to the development of breast cancer because your body will be less able to excrete all the toxins you’re exposed to on a daily basis. Aluminum from antiperspirants is one potentially dangerous source of toxins that can accumulate if your lymph drainage is impaired.”
How do you avoid that? Wear a bra that is properly fitted or go without one! If you don’t know if your bra is properly fitted, go see a bra-fitting specialist.
The Underwire:
Almost all underwire found in bras are metal coated with plastic. It is the metal that could be problematic for your long-term health.
“In his 1975 article, Chinese Lessons For Modern Chiropractors, Dr. George Goodheart – known as “the father of Applied Kinesiology” — explained what he calls the “Antenna Effect.” Essentially, he discovered that by taping a small metal ball over an acupuncture point, you could achieve longer-term stimulation to that point in question.
However, just like a small metal ball, any metal constantly applied to any given energy channel or point on your body can have the same stimulating effect. Over time, the continued stimulation can cause a subsequent decrease in function of important neuro-lymphatic reflex points located below your breasts.
In addition, the metal wire may act as an antenna attracting electromagnetic fields, which may also increase your risk of breast cancer” per Dr. Mercola’s article.
You can easily remove the metal wire and either go without one or replace it with a plastic rod of comparable size. I’ve done this before and it’s really easy. What’s even easier is buying wire-free bras. While the selection is somewhat limited and definitely not as sexy as the traditional bras, I’m a huge fan.
I hope that you will choose your health over the sweaty pits or the sexy push up bra. You deserve to live a long vibrant life!
Source: Dr Mercola “Are Aluminum-Containing Antiperspirants Contributing To Breast Cancer In Women?” October 17, 2011