Women's Health - Preventing Breast Cancer The Natural Way by Jade Beutler, R.R.T., R.C.P.  The threat of breast
cancer has become a
national health concern.
It is estimated that one
in eight women will now be
afflicted with this potentially
disfiguring and sometimes fatal
disease. According to Dr. Ross
Pelton, author of Preventing
Breast Cancer the largest
misconception among women is
that if they do not have a family
history of breast cancer, they are
at low risk. This myth is simply
untrue. Dr. Pelton elaborates, in
stating that the majority of
newly diagnosed cases of breast
cancer are in women with no
family history of the
disease. While
 mammography and self
examination are effective tools in
detecting the presence of a lump,
a cancer may be present for as
long as four years, undetectable
by palpation or X-ray. Standard
medical treatment for breast
cancer includes lumpectomy,
(partial removal of the breast)
mastectomy, (total removal of the
breast), chemotherapy and
radiation. While sometimes
effective in ameliorating the
disease, the results of standard
medical treatment alone can be
devastating to the psyche of
women and their overall health.
In this light, an aggressive
preventative approach appears
to be the most humane and
effective means in controlling the
escalating rate of breast cancer.
Natures Answer to Breast Cancer The National Cancer Institute has begun to focus on diet as a preventative measure to avoid certain cancers. It has been found that certain fruits, vegetables and grains possess potent cancer fighting and protective compounds known as phyto-nutrients (naturally occurring and non-toxic plant chemicals). Perhaps the most powerful phyto-nutrient plant food discovered to date is flaxseed. This ancient grain contains a phyto-nutrient called lignan, that once ingested is converted to compounds that compete with estrogen for binding sites on estrogen receptors. The net result is a flushing of excess estrogen (linked to high incidence of colon and breast cancer) from the body. Ironically, lignans may someday replace the need for estrogen therapy in post menopausal women due to the fact that they resemble estrogen on the receptor site, but without the potential risks of estrogen therapy.  Lignans in Flaxseed Possess
the Following Attributes:
The cancer protective effects of flaxseed do not stop here. Flaxseed oil has also been studied for its possible preventative and protective effects against breast and other cancers A study of one hundred and twenty women revealed that those with the highest breast tissue content of an omega-3 fatty acid found most abundantly in flaxseed oil had the lowest incidence of breast cancer. Of the women in the test group that had the misfortune of contracting breast cancer, the women with the highest Omega-3 in breast tissue also had the lowest incidence of metastasis (cancer spreading from breast to other vital tissues and organs). This fact may offer hope for women that are currently battling breast cancer and wishing to prevent metastasis. Many women report the unexpected benefit of improved nail strength, improved skin texture and appearance, lustrous shiny hair and lack of cravings for fat laden and junk foods when supplementing their diet with flaxseed oil. A Consumers Guide to Choosing the Right Product To appreciate the dual protective effect of lignans and flaxseed oil, it is imperative that consumers recognize and purchase the right products. Flaxseed oil is typically found in the refrigerated section of the supplements department in your favorite health food store. Look for flaxseed oil products that are labeled as Lignan Rich. Due to flaxseed oils limited shelf life, it is important that you choose products with both a pressing date and a best before date that does not exceed a 4 month span. Flaxseed oil products that have been Fresh ExPressed ensure you that the oil was gently expeller pressed without filtration or refinement. Fresh ExPressed oils are made to order for health food stores and sent manufacturer direct arriving just days after being made.  Benefits of Lignan
Flaxseed Oil
Dr. Pelton recommends that every women, regardless of familial history of breast cancer consume at least one tablespoon of Lignan flaxseed oil a day as a major preventative measure against the disease. A breast cancer support group in Sacramento California has taken Dr. Peltons advice in an effort to prevent reoccurrence and metastasis (spreading) of breast cancer. References:
 
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