In honor of all breast cancer survivors and casualties, we'd like to welcome you all to our annual October BREAST CANCER AWARENESS event. We're a few romance authors who want to spread some happily ever afters around while urging you to get your annual checkups! Just visit the following websites or blogs to read up on the latest health information and learn how to enter each of the participating authors' contests.http://blog.skhyemoncrief.com/
http://www.hywelalyn.blogspot.com/
http://www.annakathrynlanier.com/id18.html
Each author will offer a prize. So, be certain to enter at each location. Prizes will be announced Halloween night. There's nothing like a wonderful treat on Halloween!
This year I’ve decided to take a new approach. I’d like to catch those women so young they say to themselves, “I’ll worry about this later on,” to those who are getting ready to turn forty, contemplating their first mammogram to those who are fifty, tested yearly and nervous every time. Bet you’re wondering what I’m talking about. Well, simple enough, there are steps we can all take now to possibly lower our chances of getting this disease that visits one in eight women every single day. What’s this miracle cure you ask? No cure, but preventative and purely dietary. Yep, that’s right, changing our eating habits now could help us down the line!
Take the time to read the following dietary changes you can make NOW and I’m willing to dish out a slew of prizes to a random commenter. You read right, a slew of prizes, including two of my novels, a $10 gift certificate to The Wild Rose Press and a Breast Cancer awareness T-shirt! That’s how much I want you to become more aware of this disease.
I spent hours scouring the internet looking for dietary changes you can make. Here’s what consistently seemed to be at the top of the list…
-SEAWEED! Who would have thought? Best bet, Kelp and Nori. It’s not as bad as it sounds. I had it in a soup one afternoon in Boston. Wow, was I shocked. It tasted great! What does it do? Fights those free radicals cancer cells find delectable.
-FIBER! Don’t hold back- dish up the fiber whenever you can. Fruits and veggies, beans, whole grains. I don’t know about you but I’ve found a lot of creative ways to eat fruits and veggies. I dip my apple slices in low fat peanut butter, coat my broccoli in crushed up wheat saltines (yeah, they make those now) and sauté them in margin and extra light virgin olive oil. Why is the fiber so important? Fiber interrupts the body's metabolism of estrogen and decreases the blood levels of estrogen. High levels of estrogen in the bloodstream correspond to a higher risk of breast cancer. High-fiber diets can decrease breast cancer risk by up to 54 percent! Load up on cruciferous vegetables--broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, turnips, bok choy, kale, and cauliflower.
GO FISH FOR FATTY ACIDS! I’ll tell you right off the top, I take 3,000 ML’s of Omega 3 powered fish oil pills a day because I have no time to cook. This option is super for those who don’t like fish as well. Like fish? Super! Eat at least three servings a week of cold-water fish such as tuna, salmon, halibut, mackerel, haddock, cod, and sardines. Why? Omega-3 oils found in the aforementioned fish inhibit the effects of the compounds known as prostaglandins, which have been associated with the inflammation that suppresses the immune system's ability to identify tumors
The list is endless after this. I’ve found mixed reviews about Soy products, so I say research on your own. Eat what feels right. I also learned dairy products as well as olives were a good preventative measure. I listed the foods I did because I eat them religiously now. Did I mention my family history is full of breast cancer? Nothing I’ve listed here is “cut in stone.” I am not a doctor. At the very least it’s healthy! Talk to your doctor and see what he or she recommends.
All you need to do for a chance to win the grand prize is leave a comment about my topic. Do you agree, disagree, have another great point to make? Please share, it’s a go here. I’m all about awareness. If you took the time to read and become more aware, I’m happy!
Sky
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27 comments:
thanks so much for the dietary info; I missed the day they did a workshop on dietary here at the ABCC(Allen Blair Cancer Centre) where I am presently taking 25 Radiation treatments for Breast Cancer. I stay across the street at the Cancer Lodge where they look after us so well - great food, my own room, volunteer drivers if needed. IT DOES PAY TO GET YOUR ANNUAL CHECKUP!!! My lump was found by mammogram and could not be felt.
One thing that I was told that really spoke to me was 'cancer feeds on sugar' and I love my Pepsi.
I think diet can affect manythings so I beleive it could affect this as well. I am going to look in to it more. Thanks for raising my awareness.
Hello Sky,
I'm an 11 year breast cancer survivor. Your choices are good. However watch your intake of fiber as it can make you bloated and gassy. I drank tofu smoothies and they were wonderful. Eating fish at least once a week is a must. We do need those Omega 3's. I also drank Pedialyte when I was sick from chemo. It's not as harsh as Gatorade. Basically one should eat healthy when one goes through breast cancer. Talk to a Nutritionist. When I had radiation there was one in the same building and she gave me lists of stuff to eat. Oh, and don't eat something you love over and over as you will get sick of it and after cancer you won't want to eat it again. Ever.
Mel K.
Meljprincess AT aol DOT com
Sky ~ Those are wonderful dietary tips. Another thing for anyone going through cancer ~ cancer feeds on sugar...so one might want to really limit their sugar consumption!!
As a breast cancer survivor of 1 1/2 years (woohoo)myself, I want to thank you so very much for all of the support and awareness you ladies are bring to light. It's so very important that we find a cure !!
Hugs,
Cathy
Hi Sky, I think diet is very important for prevention and your list if great. I heard mixed opinions on soy too. Eating less processed and fatty food is something else that is helpful. That's good you are eating better because of your family history.
. High levels of estrogen in the bloodstream correspond to a higher risk of breast cancer: I have also been told that cancer feeds on sugar. This makes me perk up my ears for sure.
Thanks so much for the info as I missed the day they gave info on Dietary habits, etc. at the Cancer Clinic I am now getting 25 Radiation treatments from. I have Breast Cancer and one must take into consideration eating habits, rest, restrictions; there are do's and don'ts and a lot to think about.
Thanks so much to you who have popped in already to become more aware! To those of you who are cancer survivors, my heart is with you, congratulations on beating cancer, HUGE round of hugs...
I never knew some of this i do how ever chekc monthy my grreat granmother lost the battle after it matastisized and hit her lungs maybe if they knew what they know now then
Im at a great risk for cancer on both sides and thats kind of scary so what great tips to keep my self healthy i knew about the sugar but i also firmly believe in moderation for everything my heart goes out to all the survivers and to the fmailies of those who didnt make it thank you for posting this awareness blog i think even ppl in their twenties should check
Thanks for spotlighting this disease. You can never have too much info out there.
I appreciate the dietary suggestions, too. As a personal fitness trainer, I'm always trying to get my clients to eat right. I think too many people associate healthy eating for weight loss purposes only, but the other health benefits are just as important.
May I add another dietary suggestion? Eat as much fruit and vegies as you can. Strive for 10 servings a day. If you're used to eating just 1-2 servings, bump it up to 3 servings, etc.
Thanks again!
Becky
Great post, Sky, on such an important topic. When one of the members of my RWA chapter fell victim to this insidious disease, we polled our ranks and were astounded at the number of survivors we had in our seventy-five give-or-take membership. Subsequently, every October meeting we spend writing backed by a sponsor who will donate an agreed upon amount per word to the breast cancer awareness organization. The OK-RWA Outlaws are very proud of our continued efforts to combat this horrific disease. I too am high-risk--my mother is a survivor--therefore, I am aware of the dietary info, but so many are not. Thank you for posting! I do encourage one and all to have the yearly mammogram--indeed, it can be life saving.
Joelle Walker
Editor, Black Rose Line
The Wild Rose Press
Sky, thanks for the dietary tips. This is a scary business for us women. We all need to look at our own lives and try to do more for ourselves as well as the women around us.
I went through a scare last year when they wanted to examine a mass that had appeared. I was so thankful it was not cancer but now they are keeping a close eye on it. Too many women go through this to not take the time to keep up on mammograms. I hate some of the hospitals for the way women treat other women knowing how uncomfortable it is. I wrote up the examiner last year as she was so hateful and mean. This year I got a nice one and they did the imagining on computer.
Please enter me to win.
jrs362(at)hotmail(dot)com
I attempt to keep updated on the most recent findings on breast cancer prevention! I agree with your suggestions. Fish oil is one
supplement that I take twice daily.
My sister drinks soy milk daily!
Two of my best friends are breast
cancer survivors and a third was just diagnosed about a month ago.
Thanks for sharing your findings.
Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
Every response made during this contest so far means the world. It shows me that women are paying attention and worried, that you're taking a step to become more aware. Every single one of you deserves to know as much as you possibly can. I've decided that in addition to the grand prize I'll be awarding a small prize to everyone who enters because you took the time to not only learn but share your stories and help spread awareness.
Thanks all,
Sky
Thank you for sharing some great advice. Breast cancer runs in my family as well so I do all I can. I also have 3 very close friends who have been diagnosed within the last 2 years.
I take 4,000 units omega 3 daily. We grow our own garden for plenty of fresh veggies. I make Broccoli soup from our fresh broccoli that is to die for.
Continue to bless your readers!
carlabuck@aol.com
I agree ... eating healthy is very important and probably does help us fight diseases like cancer. If we're wrong, well, it certainly makes us feel better on a daily basis.
Thanks to you ladies for helping spread the word about breast cancer. I've known several women who were diagnosed with it and they didn't all survive.
Cancer runs in my family as well, on both sides of the family. My paternal grandmother had breast cancer and she later passed. I will soon be 39 and I really need to take my health more seriously. I will definitely make changes in my diet. Thanks for posting this information.
I totally agree with each point that you have discussed! I also take Omega 3 Fish Oil and other dietary supplements. I do believe that many cancers caused today have an environmental factor in them!
Out of my group of 8 friends that meet monthly, 2 are breast cancer survivors and another one is recently diagnosed with the disease!
To a certain degree, I do what I can to avoid getting breast cancer, but it can be confusing with all of the information that comes and goes.
Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
I've heard about fiber being good for so many reasons, but fish oil for cancer was new. I have a doctor who promotes using supplements so I've been using it for heart health (preventative). Good to know it has other benefits. The doctor said all fish oil supplements are not the same. You want to see high levels of DHA and EPA in your capsules.
Glad for the information. I think we all need to become more aware.
Think I will try the Omega3 fish oils
JWIsley(at)aol(dot)com
Thank you so much for the dietary information. It seems to one place where we can help ourselves.
My mother is a breast cancer survivor. I agree that it never hurts to eat healthy and if the foods have been shown to decrease the chances of cancer, than all the more reason to change your eating habits. Lots of fresh fruits and veggies as well as the juices thereof are also great for preventing cancer and of course they're full of vitamins and minerals which will make you feel better anyways.
Deidre
deidre_durance at hotmail dot com
I certainly will try your suggestions and make sure to have a yearly physical. I have been geeting a mammogram yearly for about 8 years now and it is worth it.
Good tips in your blog. Another good thing is to try to eat more organic foods, especially fruits. None of us needs the chemicals found in most foods today. While I haven't gone totally 'organic' and will never go vegetarian or vegan, I am trying to buy more organic fresh fruits and vegetables.
kkhaas at bellsouth dot net
Great dietary info:)
Congrats to all the breast cancer survivors 8D
I've scares but never cancer & I try to follow good dietary guidelines. One tip I can offer is I DON'T drink municipal tap water. I prefer good spring water and very few sodas.
Thanks for all the information. Gives us much to think about. Seems like for a little effort lots of benefit. If nothing else, the health benefits would be welcome. Hugs to all of you who are survivors.
I agree with your post. This is scary and I am now more aware and eat healthier. Thanks for all the wonderful info.
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