Breast Cancer Prevention- Know the Risks

-
The incidence of breast cancer seems to be on the increase. It seems as if everyone personally knows someone who has died of or is currently fighting breast cancer. Even though October is breast cancer awareness month, the conversation on raising cancer awareness should be ongoing since women are diagnosed with this ailment all through the months of the year. In the bid to raise awareness on breast cancer, this article highlights some factors that increase the risks of developing breast cancer.

Breast cancer occurs more in white women after menopause than blacks and Asians. However black women have greater chances of developing breast cancer at a younger age. While the exact cause of breast cancer is not known, there are certain factors that increases the chances of developing breast cancer.

Below, we highlight the modifiable risk factors ie conditions that can increase chances of developing breast cancer.

  • Weight Gain - Excessive weight gain has been associated with breast cancer and a lot of other chronic diseases. Having an ideal weight does wonders to your health. 


  • Abnormal Insulin Levels - Research shows that high fasting insulin levels double the chances of developing breast cancer even more than excessive weight in post-menopausal women. Limiting intake of sugar and simple carbs could help regulate insulin levels. Some supplements have been shown to have blood sugar balancing properties too.

  • Inadequate Vitamin D: Research has shown that women with higher vitamin D levels have lower chances of getting breast cancer. Vitamin D has limited food sources. Women can get vitamin D from the sun or through supplements.  Women with darker skin absorb less Vitamin D from the sun. The suitable form of Vitamin D supplement to take is Vitamin D3. Speak with your Rafar Pharmacist for advice before you start taking a Vitamin D supplement.

  • Lack of physical activity: The less active one is, the greater the chances of getting cancer. Read this post for tips on how to increase your physical activity levels.

  • Alcohol consumption - Alcohol has been associated with a lot of diseases such as cancer (breast, liver etc), high blood pressure and excessive weight. As  much as possible, it is advised to refrain from drinking alcohol or drastically limit intake of alcohol.
  • Smoking - smoking is a serious health hazard; both for the active smokers and passive smokers (people that inhale cigarette smoke when they are around other people smoking). Need to quit smoking? Speak with our Rafar Pharmacists to help you with our smoking cessation programmes.
Speak with your Rafar Pharmacist today to advise you on steps to take to limit the chances of breast cancer and if you have any concerns, don't hesistate to go see your doctor.

Contact us:
Rafar Pharmacy
2 Nsirim Street by Ada George Rd, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
08179706207

Rafar Pharmacy
Suite 3, The Rock Plaza, Kado Estate, Abuja, Nigeria
08160672018

Rafar Pharmacy
Departure Lounge, Port Harcourt International Airport
07046172461

Facebook.com/RafarPharmacy
Shop online at www.rafar.com.ng

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Nipple care while breastfeeding – how to prevent cracked nipples and how to encourage healing.

-
Image
The most common cause for sore or cracked nipples while breastfeeding is as a result of poor latching of the baby’s mouth on the nipples while breastfeeding. When a good breastfeeding position and the proper latch is achieved, then it is unlikely that you would develop sore nipples. So, how do I get the proper latch? The picture below shows how a baby should latch properly while breastfeeding. Your baby’s mouth should cover the entire dark area of the breast, called the areola; your baby’s chin should also touch your breast. This measure helps prevent cracked nipples. So what if my nipples are already cracked? Well, if your nipples are already cracked, you will have to resist the urge not to breastfeed your baby. It is in breastfeeding that it will eventually get healed. Here are a few things you could do to help ease your pain and encourage healing: ·          Before you start breastfeeding, express a little breastmilk and apply it over the areola, ·      
Read more

How do you really wash your hands?

-
Image
Right from when I was growing up, I have had it drummed into my ears on so many occasions that it is very important to wash our hands before we eat, after we use the bathroom, after blowing our nose or coughing and after handling dirt. However, I am not too sure I was put through the wonder steps in proper hand washing. Yes, even hand washing has its own special technique and not just the regular 5 second stint that a lot of us practice. While washing our hands, we need to target some key areas, where germs gather, which we normally forget. It is also important, that we do not spend less than 20 seconds, washing our hands. Check out the steps to follow while washing your hands from the Health Promotion Board. Kindly share this information. It could be a life saver. Look good, live healthy. Rafar+ Pharmacy, Metropark Mall, Plot 6B, Sani Abacha Rd, GRA, Port Harcourt 07046172460 Grace Pavilion, 2, Nsirim Street by Ada George Rd
Read more

The Simple Solution to Inverted or Flat nipples – Yes, You Can Still Breastfeed !!

-
Image
A client once came to our pharmacy and told me that their baby was not being breastfed because the mother’s nipples are inverted. This has not been the first time someone has complained about this condition.  For those that do not know what inverted nipples are, inverted nipples are nipples that are turned inside instead of pointing out. Most people think it is a problem without a solution and believe that once their nipples are inverted or flat, they can never breastfeed. Breastfeeding has too many benefits; both for the mother and the baby, and no child should be deprived of this because of inverted or flat nipples. The good news is that there is a simple solution for inverted/flat nipples. Niplettes are the simple solution to inverted or flat nipples. Through gentle suction, which is controlled by the user, the Niplette pulls the nipple out into a small plastic thimble-like cup. The Niplette is a discreet, non-surgical solution that is clinically proven to he
Read more