Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer in females & responsible for the highest death rate. It is uncommon in males, but can occur! There are almost 12,000 new cases per year in Australia, with the risk of being diagnosed before age 85 being 1 in 9 for women & 1 in 722 for men. Each year, 2710 women & 10 men die of breast cancer.

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS?

• Being female
• Personal history of breast cancer
• Increasing age
• Family history
• Genetic abnormalities - inheritance of mutations in the genes
• Exposure to female hormones (natural & administered)
• Obesity
• Excess alcohol consumption

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS & SYMPTOMS?

• New lumps or thickening in the breast or under the arm
• Changes to the nipple such as a change in shape, crusting, a sore or ulcer, redness or inverting of the nipple
• Discharge from the nipple which is bloodstained or occurs without squeezing
• Changes in the skin of the breast such as any puckering or dimpling, unusual redness or other colour change
• A change in the shape or size of a breast. This might be either an increase or a decrease in size

WHAT WILL HELP?

Breast self-examination should be part of your monthly health care routine & you should visit your doctor if you experience any breast changes.  For full info & pictures on how to perform this properly in 5 easy steps, visit www.breastcancer.org - follow the links through symptoms & diagnosis

What Things  May Help Prevent Breast Cancer?

• Take a good antioxidant supplement & have a diet high in antioxidants
• Avoid Caffeine
• Nurture yourself
• Massage your breasts– Do regular lymphatic drainage (daily)
• Get properly fitted for a bra
• Seek advice on possible natural alternatives for contraception & family planning.

For more info visit:
http://www.acnfp.com.au/ &
http://www.billings-ovulation-method.org.au/

What Things May Help Prevent Breast Cancer?

• Eat plenty of fresh fruit, vegies, nuts & seeds
• Eat cabbage & broccoli to metabolize oestrogen
• Eat lots of Lignans (Barley, Oats, Millet, Rye, Wheat, Soybeans, Flax Seeds, Sesame Seeds, & Sunflower Seeds)
• Selenium
• Add Turmeric to your diet 
• Regular detoxing of the body