Cinco Vidas

Three out of four deaths from colon and breast cancer could be prevented. That’s approximately 58,000 new cases of breast cancer, and 49,000 new cases of colorectal cancer each year. How? By increasing vitamin D levels in the blood.

That’s the conclusion reached by a group of researchers who examined epidemiological findings and over 3,000 research studies on vitamin D and cancer. According to their published paper, “It is projected that raising the minimum year-round serum 25(OH)D level to 40 to 60 ng/mL would prevent approximately 59,000 new cases of breast cancer and 49,000 new cases of colorectal cancer each year, and three fourths of deaths from these diseases in the United States and Canada….Such intakes also are expected to reduce case-fatality rates of patients who have breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer by half.” (more…)

Heidi Floyd, breast-cancer survivor, and her son, Noah.

Breast cancer was in her family. Her mother had passed away when she was only in her 40s. So she knew she was at risk—but she never expected to be diagnosed while she was pregnant.

Her name is Heidi Floyd, and today she serves as Breast Cancer Development Ambassador for the Very Bradley Foundation, traveling the nation raising money for breast cancer research. But when she was diagnosed, she was working in IT sales, and didn’t know where to turn. “The first oncologist I spoke to didn’t know how to treat a pregnant patient,” she says. “He told me my options were to terminate the pregnancy, or carry the baby to term while not addressing the cancer.” (more…)

You may already be conscientious about self exams and regular screening, but do you know the symptoms of breast cancer? Could you tell if you—or someone close to you—were at risk?

Most of us have been so well educated in exams and mammograms that we think they, alone, will warn us of any possible problems. But these methods aren’t foolproof. Many women have saved their own lives by being aware of cancer symptoms, and reporting any unusual sensations or concerns to their doctor.

Below are potential signs or symptoms of breast cancer. No need to be paranoid, as changes in your breasts are usually not related to cancer, but if you experience any of these, check with your doctor just to be safe.  (From “Breast Cancer Symptoms” by Andrea Markowitz, Ph.D., and the Mayo Clinic.) (more…)

Going through radiation therapy for breast cancer? How about a glass of red wine to toast your strength and courage? According to Italian researchers, in the August issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics, it may help reduce the skin damage often caused by radiation.

As you may know, radiation can often leave the skin red, irritated, and burned. Sometimes the wounds take several weeks to heal. Most current medications that help prevent skin problems can also reduce the effectiveness of radiation. (more…)

If you have breast cancer that hasn’t responded to treatment with other drugs (like anthracycline and taxane), you may be taking one of the newer drugs on the market called “ixabepilone,” brand-name “Ixempra™.” The FDA approved it in October of 2007 after a quick 6-month review, so it’s still fairly new, and usually used in combination with capecitabine to treat metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer. Basically, it slows or prevents the growth of tumors by preventing cell division.

Some of you have asked us—what’s the low-down on this drug? (more…)

As we consider ways to live healthier and reduce our risk of cancer, we need to be aware of chemicals that act as “hormone disruptors.” These are synthetic ingredients that we’re exposed to in various personal-care and household products that can interfere with the natural hormone systems in our bodies, potentially causing cancer.

Hormone disruptors imitate our real hormones, so the body is “fooled” into thinking they’re the same thing. (more…)

Sometimes the science behind food and cancer can get really confusing. After all, if we avoided every food that was ever suspect in a study we’d probably be stuck with bread and water. (Make that whole-grain bread.)

Still, when a U.S. study from the University of Southern California and the University of Hawaii looked at 50,000 post-menopausal women and found that eating just a quarter of a grapefruit daily raised the risk of breast cancer by up to 30 percent, women couldn’t help but ask the question: Have I just eaten my last grapefruit? (more…)

Breast-cancer treatment is challenging enough on it’s own, but what if you have cosmetic breast implants?

According to Charlene Laino of WebMD News, breast augmentation is the most common cosmetic procedure in the U.S. However, little research has focused on how implants may affect treatment.

As you may know, breast-cancer treatment usually involves one of two types of surgery: either a mastectomy, where the entire breast is removed, or a lumpectomy, where only the tumor is removed, radiation applied, and the rest of the breast reconstructed. For women with implants, a mastectomy typically involves an implant exchange, whereas a lumpectomy may or may not leave the implant intact. (more…)

Breast cancer continues to be the leading form of cancer in women (aside from non-malanoma skin cancer). More and more, scientists are telling us that good lifestyle choices carry the most weight when trying to reduce our risk. Most of us know that a healthy diet and exercise are two of the major players in keeping us healthy, but a recent survey in Britain showed that actually, many adults still aren’t aware of common risk factors.

“The survey showed that about 70% were not aware of the link between processed meat and cancer,” reports Reuben Chow, journalist. “Further, 44% of those surveyed were not aware that being overweight also increases cancer risk.” (more…)

Not long ago, Oprah did two “intervention” shows on finding a bra that fits. Since then, choosing the right bra for an outfit has become as important as choosing the right shoes. Ana Marie Cox, writing for Time.com, reports: “According to ‘experts,’ ‘industry studies’ and ‘surveys,’ anywhere between 70% to 85% of women are treating their breasts badly, either shoving them into too-small cups or allowing them to float freely in a draping sling.”

Today, you can find all kinds of bra-fitting articles and tips online and in magazines, including those on the Oprah site and from Susan Nethero, the so-called “bra whisperer.” We all want to look good, so if we can learn what kind of bras will make our favorite blouses and dresses more flattering, why not? But some studies claim it’s about a lot more than fashion. They say a well-fitting bra, or wearing bras for fewer hours, could actually help us stay healthier—even lower our risk of breast cancer. (more…)