Bioidentical Hormone Doctors Proudly Support Breast Cancer Prevention

CHICAGO,IL - October, 2010- Since 1985, the month of October has been internationally heralded as Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) - a globalized campaign, organized by various charities, medical societies and non-profit organizations. The annual effort is aimed at increasing public awareness about the disease and raising money to fund ongoing scientific research into a possible cure. And while a cure may not exist today, there are steps women can take to significantly reduce their risk, regardless of age, genetics or predisposition, and it begins with a balanced lifestyle.

"Genetics are only one piece of the puzzle; our lifestyle is the main determining factor," warns Dr. Joseph Mazzei, Medical Director of BodyLogicMD of Chicago. "Annual mammograms and monthly self breast exams may help detect abnormalities and possible tumors, but they don't do much from a preventive standpoint. A woman's best defense against breast cancer is preventing the cancer from developing in the first place."

According to bioidentical hormones expert, Dr. Mazzei, every woman's prevention plan should include the following:

Balanced hormones - Hormonal fluctuations can cause breast cell proliferation. This is common for women during and after menopause, when estrogen and progesterone levels become imbalanced. To be safe, women should add hormone testing to their annual list of checkups to keep their hormones balanced and their breast health in check.

Proper nutrition - Diet is major factor when it comes to disease - especially cancer. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with cancer-fighting nutrients and antioxidants that help rid the body of harmful free radicals. Meat and poultry are also essential components of a balanced diet, but it's important to avoid those that come from animals that were treated with synthetic hormones and antibiotics. When shopping for meat or poultry, certified organic is your safest bet.

Stress management - Stress forces the body to work harder and for longer periods of time. The body's natural response to stress is the release of the hormone known as cortisol. Being that cortisol is produced primarily by the adrenal glands, chronic stress can cause the adrenals to become overworked, resulting in a medical condition known as adrenal fatigue. Adrenal fatigue is a hormonal imbalance and can disrupt the estrogen/progesterone balance and increase the likelihood of cell proliferation.

Regular exercise - The benefits of exercise are infinite. Staying active is the key to living a long and healthy life. The more active we are on a regular basis, the more optimally our bodies function and the better we feel. Exercising regularly to maintain a healthy body composition can not only prevent medical conditions, such as obesity and diabetes, but can also degenerative diseases, like breast cancer.

Breast cancer prevention isn't as simple as taking a vitamin or pill. It takes serious effort and determination. It's critical that we eat the right foods and limit the bad ones, and that we exercise regularly and lead a proactive lifestyle. It's also important to remember that we're only human. We don't change our habits overnight, it takes time - sometimes even years. When it comes to reinventing your daily routine, it helps to take things one step at a time. Start with baby steps and then gradually make bigger improvements to work your way up towards meeting your wellness goals. In addition to annual screenings and checkups, there's a lot that women can do to improve their overall health and minimize their risk. Women are encouraged to talk to their doctor to find out more about what lifestyle changes would suit them best.

More about Dr. Mazzei

Dr. Mazzei currently serves our country as a Major in the U.S. Army Reserves and served active duty as an Emergency Medicine Physician in 2002 during Operation Enduring Freedom at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine (A.O.B.E.M.) and an active member of the Fellowship in Anti-Aging and Functional Medicine. He is also a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) and the American Osteopathic Association. (AOA)

More about BodyLogicMD

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