It's mammogram time!
Kimberly Young/University of Idaho | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 10 years, 3 months AGO
Today is October 1st, the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is a friendly reminder for women to schedule their mammograms and to engage in self-breast exams monthly. Early detection is crucial for prognosis!
The main goal with breast cancer, or any cancer, is to reduce your risk for acquiring this disease. Like most chronic diseases, there are uncontrollable risk factors such as increasing age and family history, and controllable risk factors such as getting regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight. Obesity is linked to an increased risk for many types of cancer, with breast cancer being one of them. How can you prevent unwanted excess weight and reduce your risk for breast cancer? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults should aim for 30 minutes of physical activity at moderate intensity (walking, hiking, yoga) at least five days a week and 20 minutes of vigorous activity (power walking, running, bicycling more than 10 mph) at least three days a week. Such activity will balance energy intake to help maintain a healthy weight.
In addition to physical activity, nutrition plays a key role in cancer prevention. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately one-third of cancer deaths are related to diet and physical activity. Increasing fruit, vegetables, and fiber in meals may have protective benefits against breast cancer. Adding a variety of colorful fruit and vegetables, beans, and whole grains, will provide phytochemicals that act as antioxidants in the body. Certain phytochemicals may help prevent the formation of potential carcinogens (substances that cause cancer), block the action of carcinogens on their target organs or tissue, or act on cells to suppress cancer development. Examples of phytochemicals are Vitamins A, C and E, selenium, carotenoids, flavonoids, and plant sterols.
To get more information on nutrition's role in cancer prevention, there are two upcoming events in the month of October you can attend. The first event is Thursday, Oct. 2, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Kroc Center. The class, titled "Nutrition's Role in Cancer Prevention," will provide more in-depth information about nutrition's relationship to cancer. The next event, "Pamper Me Pink" is hosted by Kootenai Clinic Cancer Services at Kootenai Clinic in Post Falls from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14. This event will have medical expert presentations, spa treatments, and fun prizes. Both events will have food demonstrations and samples hosted by the University of Idaho dietetic students and Panhandle Health District. Space may be limited, so contact the Kroc Center and Kootenai Clinic Cancer Services, respectively.
Proper nutrition, physical activity and a healthy weight will help reduce your risk for breast cancer and other chronic diseases, while mammograms may detect breast cancer early for better treatment outcomes. Schedule yours today! Panhandle Health District offers 1) Women's Health Check or 2) the Komen program (Susan G. Komen Idaho Affiliate), which provide clinical breast exams and mammograms to women who lack the necessary resources such as insurance coverage and income. To find out more about the qualifying guidelines of Women's Health Check and the Komen Program, call (208) 415-5270.
Kimberly Young, MS, RDN, LD, is a Registered Dietitian at Panhandle Health District and a graduate of the University of Idaho Dietetic program.
ARTICLES BY KIMBERLY YOUNG/UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO
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