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As a child I can remember when you heard red lipstick caused cancer and there were many such things along the way. One controversy these days is soy and for estrogen positive breast cancer patients that is something to use in moderation if at all. Then comes the red meat controversy and there are some studies related to the link of red meat and other dietary proteins that may be associated with a risk for breast cancer. There are various protein sources though and they do not all seem to pose the same risk. A study that I have long participated in is the Nurses' Health Study and some of what has been determined is that there is an association between breast cancer and red meat in premenopausal women and with those that have positive hormone receptors. We have since looked at the introduction of other meats beside beef and reducing the amounts and how often as well as substituting fish, legumes, nuts, and poultry. Poultry is more often served in my house than beef at this point not just because the possible health implications but also the cost. I am learning to eat fish and some meatless dishes as well. The guidelines as to what proportions should be on your plate has changed as well. No longer are the vast majority of us out there plowing fields and working in the same intensity. Many days I am at my desk, popping up and down all day. Of course it is always necessary to look at other risk factors as well. I was giving a tour to a group of high school kids and had my granddaughter with me. I talked about the use of tobacco products including "Chew" and the relationship to cancer. My five year old granddaughter rushed home and told her mom she would never chew gum again. Now of course, that is not what I meant but if we could all modify our behaviors so that we can have better life outcomes, it would be worth it. We continue to look at height, weight, race, age at first pregnancy, menopausal status, oral contraceptives and smoking and that may just be parts of the puzzle. Education and awareness hopefully will get us to a better outcome and life changes may be necessary to do so. So what flavor of chicken am I having tonight? I think I will do brushetta chicken and a salad with spinach. Making it a better day!
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AuthorMy name is Sue Kilburn and I am a clinical nurse breast cancer educator at the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Archives
March 2015
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