October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but what many don’t realize is that breast cancer can affect both men and women. There are actions we can all take that may help with prevention.
First, according to Dr. Rachel Dew, co-founder of the first integrative Telehealth platform, ModiHealth, and double-board certified Doctor of Natural and Integrative Medicine, if you have a slight intuition or an uneasy feeling that something may be wrong, call your physician.
Here are Dr. Dew’s suggestions on how to monitor yourself and what you can do that might aid in prevention.
- Monthly self checks are so important. Even if you are younger, monthly self checks should be a part of your self-care and wellness routine
- Regular dry brushing and lymphatic massage can help release toxins that are stored in your lymph nodes
- Limit caffeine intake Excessive caffeine can increase risk of cysts, limit your caffeine intake to one cup per day.
- Eat an anti inflammatory diet According to Harvard Health, a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, especially tomatoes; green leafy vegetables; nuts like almonds and walnuts; fatty fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel; and blueberries, strawberries, cherries and oranges help fight inflammation in the body, which may lead to a higher risk of disease.
- Keep your hormones balanced A healthy diet, exercise, good sleep and managing stress will help balance your hormones. Hormone imbalances like estrogen dominance are linked to breast cancer (also consider getting off the birth control pill).
- Use all natural, non-toxic deodorant Coating your underarms in harmful materials like aluminum next to a large grouping of lymph nodes can be harmful.
- Make sure there are no metals in your bra! Heavy metal toxicity can lead to all types of illness.
- Talk to your doctor If you are over 35, talk to your doctor about getting regular mammograms. Unfortunately, insurance mandates have shifted and unless you have breast cancer in your family they are not recommending these critical annual diagnostics to be run until much later. Advocate for yourself.