Breast cancer has been on the rise; in fact, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer at some point in their life. The good news is that there are steps women can take to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer. Dr. Susan Wadia-Ellis, author of Busting Breast Cancer, compiled 12 years of research and studies which resulted in five key preventative steps women can take to fight off cancer. These steps help to empower women with the knowledge and information needed to make educated decisions about their own lives. Based on Dr. Ellis’s findings, here are recommendations to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

1.     Eat good fats to lose fat and keep mitochondria healthy. Emerging evidence shows that cancer cells are a result of mutations caused by damage to the mitochondria. Prevention through lifestyle choices is key. Eating healthy fats and limiting harmful fats in the body is a positive step in limiting breast cancer risk.

2.     Keep your vitamin d3 blood level above 60 nanograms per milliliter. This has been shown to decrease yearly breast cancer diagnoses by 80 percent. Checking blood levels can be done by a physician, preferably twice a year.

3.     Avoid birth control drugs and choose hormone-free options instead. Progestin, found in birth control drugs, can attack the mitochondria of the cell increasing breast cancer risk. Hormone-free IUDs are one such option. 

4.     Engage mammogram alternatives. Mammograms can lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment with Stage 0/Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS). While made to help detect and fight against breast cancer, mammograms and medication are not designed to prevent it. Choose self-exams, clinical exams, thermography, ultrasound and MRI. 

5.     Cleanse the brain and body daily. With normal aging comes cellular congestion and inflammation. Detoxing the body with probiotics and prebiotics can stimulate digestion, in turn supporting the conversion of food to nutrients to energize cells. In addition, meditation is known to reduce stress which can protect your mitochondria.

Kristen Barry, owner of Space Coast Thermography, helps women monitor breast health with radiation-free and compression-free thermography. Space Coast Thermography is located at 7125 Turner Rd, Suite 101 in Rockledge (off Suntree Blvd). For more information, call 321-574-9014 or visit SpaceCoastThermography.com.