|
 |
 |
|
The Breast Cancer / Bone Health Connection
Steps for preventing two daunting diseases
by Michelle Gibeault Traub, R.D.
The breasts and the bones – these body parts don’t seem to have much in common, yet the keys to keeping them healthy are surprisingly similar. By eating a healthy diet, following a consistent exercise plan, and getting regular check-ups you can keep your bones, your breasts, and your whole body in tip-top shape.
Get the Necessary Nutrients
Research points to a host of nutrients that have a promising impact on decreasing breast cancer and osteoporosis. The nutrients and foods that seem to offer the most protection include:
- Calcium – since bones are primarily made up of calcium, this mineral’s role in bone health is no big surprise, but its impact on breast cancer rates is a bit more mysterious. Former Wall Street Journal Health Reporter, Tara Parker-Pope points to calcium supplementation as a potential factor in the decline in the number of breast cancer cases reported in 2003 because sales of calcium supplements increased by 40% from 2000-20031. In addition, an analysis of the Women’s Health Study showed that higher intakes of calcium and vitamin D were associated with decreased breast cancer risks in premenopausal women2. (SEE "Calcium & Vitamin D Requirements by Age")
- Vitamin D – the vitamin that helps shuttle calcium into the bones is a crucial player in bone health, and has also been cited for its potential role in preventing breast and colon cancer.
- Vegetables – dark green leafy vegetables are loaded with antioxidants that lower cancer risks, and veggies such as kale, spinach, and broccoli are also a good source of calcium.
- Green Tea – the polyphenols in green tea help to strengthen bones and have anti-cancer properties.
- Soy – studies have indicated that the isoflavones (genistein) in soy products may improve bone mass3. In addition, breast cancer rates in Asian women are much lower than those of Western women which has been partially attributed to the high intake of soy foods in Asian countries.
- Nuts and Seeds – flax and sunflower seeds contain lignans that appear to inhibit the development of tumors that depend on estrogen, like those that frequently occur in breast tissue4. Flaxseeds and walnuts are also an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids which may improve bone health5.
Exercise Every Day
Getting plenty of weight-bearing exercise is a key component of maintaining bone mass and keeping bones strong. Daily exercise is also critical to maintaining a healthy weight and lowering body fat which in turn has been shown to reduce breast cancer risk. Researchers have also determined that women who exercise more than ten hours per week have a 22 percent lower incidence of breast cancer6.
Maintain Regular Monitoring
The only way to effectively detect both breast cancer and osteoporosis is through diligent screening. For osteoporosis, that means getting a bone density test after age 65 or when you have risk factors for the disease (SEE “How are Your Bones Today?”). For breast cancer, early detection requires monthly breast self-exams, regular check-ups by an OB/GYN, and annual mammograms for women over 40 (earlier for those who have a family history)7.
Kick These Habits
Smoking and drinking alcohol have been shown to leech calcium from bones increasing a person’s risk for osteoporosis. Likewise, studies conclude that consuming more than one alcoholic beverage a day increases a woman’s risk for breast cancer by 20 percent4, while the chemicals in cigarette smoke have also been linked to increased breast cancer rates.
Watch for Hormonal Havoc
Although breast cancer and osteoporosis share some striking similarities in terms of prevention, their relationship to the hormone estrogen is very different. Estrogen helps to maintain bone density. In fact, osteoporosis is frequently a consequence of the decline in estrogen levels that occurs when a woman reaches menopause. Breast tissue, on the other hand, seems to be negatively impacted by increased exposure to estrogen. This is one of the primary reasons that HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) has fallen out of favor as a treatment option for menopausal bone loss. In spite of this contradictory relationship osteoporosis and breast cancer do have yet another thing in common. In a study undertaken by the National Cancer Institute, Raloxifene, a drug developed to treat and prevent osteoporosis, was shown to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in postmenopausal women by 50 percent8, 9.
So, while it is clear that osteoporosis and breast cancer are a challenge, it is promising to know that research is constantly uncovering new prevention strategies and treatment options that could reduce the rates of both diseases. The greatest force in preventing any illness is knowledge. By arming yourself with the latest information, and following the recommended strategies, you can reduce your risks for two of the most common health problems facing women today.
Breast Cancer Awareness Resources
- Registered Dietitian and Cancer Survivor, Diana Dyer’s Web site, offers excellent information including free recipes and menus.
- For the month of October, Prevention Magazine is offering a forum where you can talk to a cancer expert. Prevention Forum
References
- Parker-Pope, Tara. What Made Breast Cancer Decline in 2003? Wall Street Journal. 12/15/06.
- Lin, Jennifer PhD, et al. Intakes of Calcium and Vitamin D and Breast Cancer Risk in Women. Arch Intern Med. 2007;167:1050-1059. retrieved 10/23/07 LINK
- Marini, Herbert MD, et al. Effects of the Phytoestrogen Genistein on Bone Metabolism in Osteopenic Postmenopausal Women. Annals of Internal Medicine. 6/19/07, Volume 146 Issue 12 , Pages 839-847, retrieved 10/22/07 LINK
- Fight Breast Cancer at Every Meal. Shape.com, retrieved 10/22/07 LINK
- Corwin, Rebecca. Plant-derived Omega-3s May Aid in Bone Health. Penn State News. 2/19/07. retrieved 10/22/07 LINK
- Kanigel, Rachele River of Hope. Natural Health Magazine. 10/2007, retrieved 10/22/07 LINK
- Your Healthy Breast To-Do List. Shape.com,retrieved 10/22/07 LINK
- National Cancer Institute Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene (STAR) Trial. Updated 4/26/06. retrieved 10/22/07 LINK
- Medline Plus Raloxifene. retrieved 10.22.07 LINK
Top of Page
|
Published by circle of health (formerly nw | health and bone)
Copyright © 2007 Thompson Brands. All rights reserved.
circle of health does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. circle of health compiles information from a variety of public sources to provide individuals with the tools to actively and naturally promote bone health and other related women's health issues. We encourage the broad use of the web to provide additional information. Consult your physician or other health professional in regard to specific medical conditions. |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
