lnesses are not accidents, nor coincidences. Although genetic predisposition may play a very small role (just about 5%) in developing breast cancer, it is preventable and the more we stay informed the better off we are.
Breast cancer does not discriminate. It has attacked my grandmother who lives on a farm in Puerto Rico to former Miss Venezuela, Eva Ekvall who is known by thousands. This should be taken seriously especially amongst Latino women who are amongst the population in which rates are high for death by breast cancer.
Eva Ekvall died on December 17th 2011, at age 28 in Houston, due to her two-year struggle with breast cancer. After her diagnosis in February of 2010, confirming cancer, she authored “Fuera de Foco” about her struggle with the disease and bringing about awareness to Venezuelan woman about the importance of health over beauty. Ms. Ekvall also became an advocate for a cancer-awareness group, SenosAyuda. Miss Ekvall is a classic example of an extraordinary Latina who might’ve waited too long. “My aunt had breast cancer twice and my grandmother died from breast cancer. And I just let time go”, she explained. She ignored a lump in her breast believing it was her body going through changes due to her pregnancy with two-year old daughter, Miranda. Prevent you and your family from going through heartache by taking the proper precautions when it comes to health.
Carcinogenic substances play the largest role in developing and advancing all types of cancers. Cigarettes alone put you at 70% risk for cancer. Also, beware of additives in food like processed soy, maltodextrin, dextrose and artificial sweeteners, to mention the least. These substances, though not limited to, act like estrogen when introduced in the body. An overproduction of estrogen is liked to the growth of tumors, especially mammary glands found in the breasts of females.
If you are considering the prevention of carcinogenic, estrogenic and xenoestrogens (synthetic forms of estrogen), then you may also want to consider adding helpful substances as well. For starters fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs (including teas) are full of antioxidants that will destroy or improve the condition of potential cancerous cells or “radical” cells in the body. Replacing processed foods with whole foods in your diet is also a great help, as it takes on a big role in giving your body proper nutrition. Vitamin D supplements are a great idea to give your body the proper dosage it needs, especially during the winter season when sun exposure is at its least. Dr. Mercola explains, “Calcitrol, the active form of vitamin D, can induce a tumor-suppressing protein that can inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells.”
Allow Eva’s story to be a clear message to all woman out there. It is extremely important to investigate any uncertainties when it comes to your body. If there are no signs suggesting illness, be completely sure of your health and undergo examinations like mammograms yearly or as often as your doctor may recommend. You are what you eat, so let’s put the good stuff in it!
Best of Health,
Christina R. Trinidad
