Breast Cancer in the Family

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I'm 27 years old and my grandmother, her sister, and my aunt all on my mom's side of the family have had breast cancer. My doctor said I should start getting tested early in life. What age should I start? And is there anything I can do to help reduce the risk?

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Hi Sunshine,

Your doctor is the best to advise on when to begin testing but please, don't confuse early detection with prevention. Strong family history means that you have a better than average chance of carrying genes associated with breast cancer. Don't let that scare you into thinking it is inevitable however!

We are learning more and more today that our genetic expression (and expression is the key word) is not fixed. Yes, you have a certain eye color and that is unlikely to change but the genes we all carry that put us at greater risk for a particular disease are not fixed. What you need to focus on is what keeps these genes silent or non- expressive.

We do know a lot about preventing breast cancer - all cancers really. First, maintain ideal weight. Do you exercise every day? If not, get started now with a program you will stick with. Do you eat 10 or more servings a day of fresh raw produce? If not, get started. "Five a day" was the old rule, now the minimum is 7 and you prevention requires more than the minimum. (If you would like to learn about what I use to get more produce in my diet then respond via my profile.) Do you avoid all processed sugars and refined foods? If not, then begin today. Do you spend some time each day in prayer or meditation? If not, then seek out a spiritual practice that feels right to you.

If any of this sounds too complicated or time consuming or expensive, ask yourself how complicated, time consuming and expensive would a cancer diagnosis be?   Your genes are like the cards dealt in a card game. Even with a less than perfect hand you can still do well in the game if you "play your cards right". There are no guarantees but "playing your genetic cards right" will significantly improve not only your odds at a cancer free life but optimum wellness too.

Some recommended books: The China Study by T. Colin Campbell and Biology of Belief by Dr. Bruce Lipton

Let me know if you would like additional support in your efforts.

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Dear Sunshine,

My daughters (age 24 and 21) are also at risk because I came down with breast cancer at 38. With help from a team of doctors, a year of treatments and a change in lifestyle, I am a 9-year survivor. One thing I wish is that my girls will make the changes in their lifestyle now to reduce the chance that they will have to fight this disease. I learned what to do through the Wellness Community--proper diet, meditation, exercise, vitamins, minerals and herbs. There is a lot you can do to take care of yourself now--and believe me, you are worth it!

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Sunshine,
Mary Kay is right on about the fruits and vegetables. We all need a diet rich in antioxidants, both Polyphenols and Anthocyanins, and across the color spectrum. I would recommend Acai, Cranberry, Prunes, Pomengranate, all color grapes (White, Red, Purple) Aronia Berry,Raspberries,Wolfberries, Apricots, Blueberry, Bilberry, from the fruit side, and on the Veggie side, I would recommend Spinach, Broccoli, Red Peppers, Green beans, Tomatoes, and Carrots. This can be eaten fresh or in Juice. There are probably many others you can eat, these are just some I am familiar with. And she is right on about it being preventable. Most Cancers are preventable. Also, be sure and get some cardiovascular exercise at least 5 times per week, if possible, and try for at least 30 minutes. 45-60 minutes is better. I know of people who got on a strong regimen after contracting cancer, who beat it without traditional methods, so a little prevention now is even better. Read all you can about Antioxidants and what you can take. There are some pill and liquid forms available, also depending on where you live maybe a good supply of fresh produce.

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Thank you all for your great advise. I definately need to start exercising more and taking better care of myself. Do you recommend any specific vitamins?

Thanks again!

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Hey Sunshine,
Unfortunately, the evidence is mounting that vitamin supplements do little if anything to prevent cancer or any other disease and in some cases may increase a person's cancer risk. This is not to say that all vitamin supplements are "bad" - in some cases a specific vitamin supplement may be necessary - but this is rare and should be monitored by a qualified practitioner. Vitamin supplements are isolated vitamins and they do not work in the body in the same way that vitamins work when consumed as food. No where in nature do you find a nutrient existing as a single - ie: there is no such thing as a vitamin C tree, right? We say "vitamin C is natural". Vitamin C while naturally occuring is only natural when taken into the body by eating foods that contain vitamin C. A vitamin C pill or a multi-vitamin are not natural at all! Vitamins are only part of the story. There's enzymes, minerals, essential fats - lots of essential nutrients and they work in synergy not in isolation. A few websites that you may find very informative are www.beatcancer.com, www.marilynjoyce.com and www.cancerdecisions.com. I too have a strong family history for cancer so if you would like to learn more about what I personally have chosen for prevention then feel free to contact me through this site. But please, before making any decision about what to put in your body, ask to see the product's peer reviewed, published clinical research and apply a discerning ear to emotional testimonials.      

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I'm interested in this topic too, please let me know if anyone has any other recommendations.

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This is great advice, I will pass it on to my friends that have breast cancer in their family.

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Dear Sunshine,
I think that you have gotten a lot of great advice...especially the food advice. I healed from advanced breast cancer largely from following a macrobiotic diet (whole grains, beans, & vegetables) and lifestyle. As I studied and read I found that some interesting information was talked about..such as lifestyle and breast cancer risks. This was the first time that I heard that if we are eating a diet similar to our mothers and grandmothers and they have had breast cancer...we might examine that. It made sense to me as my mother died from colon cancer, and her mother liver cancer. Was it high in animal protein & dairy? Yes, both my mother & her mother had a lot of both of these things. And, yes, I did too along with tons of sugar & non-nutritive "junk" foods, and a fast lifestyle in general compared to my mother and grandmother. Yes, we have similar genetic make-up, but whether these genes are expressed depend on our diet and lifestyles. We can change our destiny.

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I have a further question to the one already given. Does breast size have a higher possibilty of cancer if they are larger? I am 33 and I have had a full hyst and I have breast and ovarian cancer in my family history. I have been told that with larger breast you have a high chance is that true? And with having a hyst at a young age do I need to have a mamagram early on?