Breast Cancer

by: Laura S. Garrett, RD

http://www.e-healtharticles.com/Detailed/76.html
Cancer is the number 2 killer in the United States. Is there something you can do to help prevent cancer? You bet there is. It is estimated that 1/3 of cancers are linked to diet. In addition, 3 to 4 MILLION cancer cases could be prevented EACH YEAR simply by making dietary changes!! Now that is wonderful news. The choices you make today can affect your quality of living tomorrow. It is a known fact that populations with higher rates of cancer have different dietary habits than those with lower rates. This article will cover several different nutrition issues related to breast cancer. For the most part, the same dietary recommendations that help reduce the risk of other cancers, heart disease, and osteoporosis apply to breast cancer risk reduction. Research has shown that women who eat their fair share of fruits and vegetables have much lower rates of breast cancer. The minimum recommendation is to eat 5 servings per day, aiming for 10 servings. If you need help determining exactly what a serving is, here is a link to NutrActive's free Serving Size Guide, Click Here. Specific nutrients naturally found in fruits and vegetables seem to play a role in reducing risk. Some of these nutrients include vitamins C and E, and phytochemicals such as pycnogenols and carotenoids. The most popular carotenoid is beta carotene. Word of caution: If you desire to boost your intake of specific nutrients by taking supplements, beta carotene is not one that has not shown favorable results in studies. Taking an isolated amount of any one carotenoid can throw the natural balance that you obtain through your diet out of whack. It is far better to eat a handful of baby carrots to get a boost of carotenoids the way mother nature intended. As far as vitamins C and E, if you wish to supplement your diet, these are both relatively safe and effective supplements. My recommendation for vitamin C is do not take more than 500 mg per day in supplement form. For vitamin E, do not exceed 400 IU per day. Another nutritional element that may help reduce breast cancer risk is fiber. Some of the fiber in your diet binds to estrogen. High exposure to estrogen throughout one's life is one of the high risk factors for breast cancer. Fiber intake can be increased by eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Carrying around extra baggage is a strong risk factor for developing breast cancer, especially if it is added during your adult years. Some health experts used to think there was no harm in packing on a few extra pounds with each passing year. It is now believed that even a 10 to 20 pound increase in weight over an adult's life span can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Why? Possibly because increased body weight seems to result in increased circulating estrogen levels. For weight loss services and products, Click Here.

Effects of Fat: Unfortunately, research on the role of total fat consumption is inconsistent. There has not been a lot of good research due to the fact that people who eat high-fat diets are typically overweight. Even if future research were not able to find an association between total fat intake and breast cancer risk, consuming a diet low in fat makes it much easier to maintain a lean body weight. The standard advice is to consume no more than 30% of your calories from fat. Some health professionals say it is better to limit fat calories to 20% of your food intake. Here is an example to show you how to calculate how many grams of fat you can eat and be following the above guidelines. Let's say you typically eat 1800 calories a day. Multiply 1800 times 30% (or .30). You get 540 which is the total fat calories you can have that day. To calculate grams of fat, divide 540 by 9. You can have 60 grams of fat

per day. The number 9 is used because there are 9 calories per every 1 gram of fat. If you are not a math wizard or you have no clue as to how many calories you eat each day, you might like to have your nutritional intake analyzed. This will clue you into just how many calories you consume each day plus how many calories are from fat, Click Here. There is evidence that saturated fats may increase breast cancer risk. Sources include foods from animal origin, coconut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, and cocoa butter. Monounsaturated fats may actually help decrease breast cancer risk. Sources include olive oil, canola oil, and peanut oil. Of particular interest is olive oil. Aside from being a monounsaturated fat, olive oil contains important phytochemicals and a significant amount of vitamin E. Phytochemicals and vitamin E possess antioxidant activity meaning they help protect against oxidation, a process by which cancer can develop. Greek women typically consume 42% of their calories from fat versus 35% consumed by American women. Yet, Greek women have substantially lower rates of mortality due to breast cancer when compared to American women. How can that be? Unlike the typical American diet, most all of the fat in the Greek diet comes from olive oil or fish. Fish has promising benefits, too. Studies involving the use of fish oils seem to indicate that fish oils can help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. Keep in mind that the speculations associated with olive oil are fairly new. There is no reason to start taking olive oil by the spoonfuls. Because it is a beneficial fat, there is absolutely no harm to included it in your diet. Just keep in mind that it is a fat and fats provide a significant amount of calories. The biggest key is to keep your weight under control. Effects of Alcohol: Alcohol consumption: Three out of four Americans say there is too much conflicting information when it comes to eating a healthy diet. This can be particularly true when it comes to alcohol. Some say a drink a day can provide health benefits, some say not so. So what are the facts? Strong evidence suggests that consuming more than 3 to 4 drinks per week increases your risk of breast cancer. One drink is equal to 12 oz. beer, 5 oz. wine, 1.5 oz liquor. If you have included red wine to your diet to help reduce heart disease risk, why not eat red grapes or drink purple, 100% natural grape juice. The protective phytochemicals are found in the grapes, not the alcohol. Tea and onions are another source of these protective phytochemicals. However, there is no denying that alcohol in moderation is associated with a lower risk of heart disease. A large body of evidence supports this. But, there is convincing evidence that moderate alcohol consumption may lead to modest increases in breast cancer risk. In 1994 experts reviewed 38 case-controlled studies involving alcohol and breast cancer. Their findings indicated that 1 drink per day resulted in a 10% increase in breast cancer. More recently, a pooled analysis of data published in 1998 showed that for every 10 grams per day of alcohol consumption, breast cancer risk increased 9%. Did it matter what type of alcoholic beverage was being consumed? No. In addition, this pooled analysis showed that women who drank 2 to 5 drinks per day had a 41% higher risk - OUCH! What is my advice? If you are a woman who is at high risk for developing cancer, I would advise that you limit your consumption to less than one alcoholic drink per day. Because heart disease is the leading cause of death among men and women, I cannot advise you to eliminate alcohol altogether. There is a greater chance you will develop heart disease than breast cancer. A consistent finding in studies shows the lowest risk of death from heart disease is among moderate drinkers. Weigh your risks. Discuss them with your doctor. Then hopefully you can make an educated decision about whether or not you should include alcohol as part of your "healthy" diet regimen. Effects of Meat Consumption: Evidence that meat consumption increases breast cancer risk is growing. Two culprits are speculated to

be the saturated fat and the type of animal protein in meat. Red meat consumption has conclusively been linked to colon cancer. The conclusive evidence is not as strong for breast cancer. Nonetheless, I would recommend limiting red meat to no more than two servings per week (2-3 ounces per serving or about the size of a deck of cards). Third culprit: When meat (such as beef, poultry, or fish) is exposed to high temperatures, harmful substances called heterocyclic amines - HCAs - are formed. HCAs are known to be harmful to the pancreas, colon, and prostate. Recently the Iowa Women's Health Study published a report stating that women who consistently ate their red meat cooked well done had almost FIVE times the risk of breast cancer as those who ate their meats rare or medium. (Note: I am NOT recommending you eat your meat cooked rare. It is well known that undercooked meat carries its own health concerns, namely exposure to harmful bacteria.) In addition to limiting the amount of red meat you consume, I recommend the following: (1) Trim fat from meat BEFORE grilling (2) Avoid foods that have been charred (black) (3) Before grilling, marinate meat AND microwave the meat for 3 to 5 minutes to cut down on carcinogens (substances that cause cancer). [This step is important because it limits the meat's exposure to hightemperatures.] Effects of Soy: You have probably heard a lot of recent news about soy. You have probably even heard that soy can help reduce your risk of cancer. Interest in soy's role in preventing breast cancer developed after scientists observed that Asian women have significantly lower rates of breast cancer than women in the U.S. Asian women typically consume a diet that is rich in soy products. Women in the U.S. typically do not. Experts are not ready to make strong claims concerning soy and its ability to prevent cancer. However, there is substantial data that links soy to the prevention of breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers. A recent study in England found a strong association between a high intake of soy phytoestrogens (to be discussed in a minute) and a lower risk of breast cancer. Even still, experts will not say with certainty that soy does reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. Because there is a large amount of evidence suggesting that soy is beneficial, I recommend incorporating soy into your diet. So, what are phytoestrogens? Phytoestrogens are plant hormones that are similar to human estrogens. Of importance is the fact that phytoestrogens are weaker than human estrogens. Phytoestrogens are believed to be among the key substances in soy that helps reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancers. As weaker versions of estrogen, phytoestrogens seem to play a dual role. When there is too much estrogen, the phytoestrogens actually block estrogen's harmful effects. When there is not enough estrogen, phytoestrogens make up for the difference. In addition, phytoestrogens seem to act as antioxidants, thus further protecting cells. Other foods besides soy products contain phytoestrogens. The best source without a doubt is soy. Flaxseed is a strong second. Studies are lacking in support for getting your phytoestrogens from a pill. Food sources are absolutely your best bet. How can you start incorporating soy into your diet? Do not look to soy sauce or soybean oil for the benefits associated with breast cancer risk reduction. These products may be made from soy, but they contain none of the beneficial phytoestrogens and no soy protein. Below is a list of soy products and the amount in milligrams (mg) of the beneficial phytoestrogens contained per each serving size listed. To reap soy's benefits, I recommend that you try to include 30 to 60 mg per day. 1/2 cup fresh or frozen soybeans 70 mg 1 cup soy milk 20 mg 1/4 cup soy nuts, roasted 84 mg 4 ounces tofu 38 mg

1/4 cup soy powder 60 mg Fresh or frozen soybeans, sometimes called edamame, are mild, sweet-tasting green beans. Boil them for 15 to 20 minutes and get ready for a real treat! Soy nuts are dried soybeans that have been roasted and usually salted. They make a good alternative to peanuts with half the fat and a lower price tag. Don't like soy milk straight? Strawberry-Banana Shake: In a blender, place 1 ripe banana, 1/2 cup frozen strawberries, 1 cup soy milk, 1/3 cup soy protein powder, and 1 TBSP honey. Blend until thick and creamy. [100 mg phytoestrogens]

Let's put everything into perspective: Here is a list identifying "cancer protectors": * Fruits and Vegetables, especially those dark in color, aim for 5-9 servings/day * Fiber, especially for colon cancer, aim for 25-35 grams per day * Antioxidants, such as carotenes and vitamins C & E (get carotenes through your diet, not a pill !!) * Selenium, especially for prostate cancer, do not take more than 800 mcg/day as a supplement * Calcium, aim for 1200-1500 mg per day * Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil), try to include fish in your diet at least 1 to 2 times per week * Soy, aim for 1 to 2 servings of soy products per day * Tea (black or green), aim for 3 to 5 servings per day * Exercise, aim for 30 minutes most days of the week Here is a list identifying cancer promoters: * Overweight, limit weight gain in adulthood to 10 pounds or less * Dietary fat, try to use canola and olive oil in cooking * Red meat, especially colon cancer, limit to 1-2 times per week - 3 oz. serving size * Burned food, avoid charred foods when possible * Nitrates and nitrites, avoid cured meats when possible * Alcohol, MEN: Limit to 2 drinks or less/day, WOMEN: Limit to 1 drink or less/day

"The Best Overall Anticancer Diet" (Source: Environmental Nutrition/vol.22/no.10): * Eat a diet that is largely vegetarian (certainly low in red meats), centering on legumes, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. * Eat fish once or twice a week. * Eat five to nine servings a day of fruits and vegetables. Include citrus fruits or other foods rich in vitamin C, dark leafy greens, high-fiber produce and cruciferous vegetables.

* Limit fat intake to mostly monounsaturated and omega-3 fats (from olive oil, canola oil, nuts, and seeds). * Choose whole grains (whole wheat, oatmeal, brown rice) over refined grains. * Include a source of calcium (from diet or supplement). * Include soy and flaxseed in your diet. * Relax with a few cups of tea a day. * Exercise regularly. Exercise What role does exercise play in fighting cancer? Regular exercise (30 minutes or more on most days of the week) helps protect against colon cancer and possibly breast and lung cancers. In addition, exercise helps reduce the cancer risk associated with obesity by helping you achieve and maintain a healthy body weight. Below is an easy solution for those of you who are too busy to fit in a good workout on most days. Squeezing in what has been coined as "fit bits" of physical activity (activity for short as a minute or two spread throughout the day) can keep you healthy and fit. The Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research in Dallas demonstrated that subjects who performed lifestyle fitness lost as much weight as a group doing a 20 to 60 minute aerobic session 3 to 5 times per week. They also increased their aerobic endurance, although not as much as the control group. So, what does that mean? Got a minute, do something physical. Below is a list for you to gauge calories burned per activity. The amount you burn will vary, but this serves as a guide. The calories shown are based on a 140 pound woman. * Sweep for 5 minutes = 20 calories * Push a stroller a half-mile in 10 minutes = 50 calories * Garden for 15 minutes = 55 calories * Play ACTIVELY with the children for 15 minutes = 60 calories * Park in far corner of parking lot at work. Walk 5 minutes briskly to desk = 25 calories * Walk briskly back to car, when leaving work, 5 min. = 25 calories * Four flight of stairs both ways = 40 calories * Walk briskly to store and then back in 8 minutes = 35 calories * Here is a quick way to rack up calories burned: Jump rope for 15 minutes = 150 calories! Written by Laura S. Garrett, RD, LD, Fitness Trainer, & Owner of www.NutrActive.com - Nutrition & Active Lifestyle Center **Weight Loss, Fitness, and Diabetes Programs** Contact via e-mail: Laura.RD@NutrActive.com ( mailto:laura.rd@nutractive.com ) Subscribe to one or ALL of NutrActive's FREE weekly e-zines for tips on how to lose weight, tone muscle, prevent disease, & cook healthy: Click Here to Subscribe Now!
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Breast Cancer Causes and Treatment

by: Michal http://www.e-healtharticles.com/Detailed/2036.html

About Breast Cancer: Breast cancer is a type of uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that can develop in one of several areas of the breast, including the ducts that carry milk to the nipple, the small sacs that produce milk (lobules) and the nonglandular tissue.Breast Cancer is estimated that 192,200 women and 1,500 men in the United States will be diagnosed with Breast cancer in 2001. Though rare in men, Breast cancer accounts for 31% of all cancer diagnosed in women. Breast cancer is a disease in which cancer cells are found in Breast tissue. There are numerous types of Breast cancer. For example, ductile cancer, found in the cells of the ducts, is the most common type of Breast cancer. Cancer that begins in the lobes or lobules is called lobular cancer. Treatment will depend on the type of Breast cancer and stage of the disease. There are also many non-cancerous (benign) Breast diseases as well. Symptoms of Breast Cancer: 1.A lump or thickening in the breast or under the arm. 2.A clear or bloody discharge from the nipple. 3.Crusting or scaling of the nipple. 4.Nipples that don't stick out (inverted). 5.Redness or swelling of the breast. 6.Dimpling on the breast skin resembling the texture of an orange. 7.A change in the contours of the breast, such as one being higher than the other. 8.A sore or ulcer on the skin of the breast that does not heal. Causes of Breast Cancer: The exact cause of cancer remains a mystery. Over twenty percent of those who have cancer never know why. The primary parts that are involved are the natural parts of food, tobacco, occupational hazards, genetic composition and food additives. Other agents that have been linked with cancer are ionizing radiation, chemicals in the air and diet, vitamin deficiency, high-fat diet, stress and environmental conditions. Diagnosis: Biopsy: Used to diagnose tumors, a biopsy tests cells removed surgically or through aspiration for microscopic examination. Cytology test: A test that shows the shedding of abnormal cells. A good example of a cytology test is pap smear. Imaging techniques: low dose x-rays such as those used in a mammogram can detect early Breast cancer. Ultrasound scanners can also produce images of organs. Chemical testing: Detect the presence of blood in the feces or elevated levels of enzyme acid phosphates in the blood. Ultrasound: A new ultrasound technique used after a mammogram can help reduce uncertainty about whether a Breast mass is cancerous or not. Home Care Suggestions: -Avoid tobacco in all forms, synthetic hormones, particularly estrogen, excessive alcohol, caffeine. -To minimize hair loss apply cold packs to the scalp while taking radiation or therapy. -Engage in mild exercise such as walking and make it part of your daily ritual. -If you ever receive a serious diagnosis of any kind, one of the most important things you can do is to free your mind of daily concerns.

New Treatment Options For Breast Cancer

Nishanth Reddy http://www.e-healtharticles.com/Detailed/2385.html
Although surgery is the most effective (and hence, the most widely used) breast cancer treatment method, there are several other ways of dealing with the disease, some are more powerful than the others. These include radiation therapy, chemotherapy or hormonal therapy, each of them with their own assets and downsides. Most of them however are used in combination with surgery for best effects, either prior to it, in order to reduce the size of the tumor or after the operation, in order to remove any remaining cancerous cells. For a better understanding of these alternative treatment methods for breast cancer, well take a closer look at each, explaining how they work and in what cases they might prove useful. Radiation Therapy Radiation therapy uses powerful gamma rays (x-rays) which target the specific area that needs to be treated with high precision. Usually, radiation therapy is performed after surgery, to destroy any cancer cells that have not been removed or the ones that formed up where the tumor was removed. Although it cant be used as, a treatment on its own, radiation therapy is one of the most accepted post-surgery methods of breast conserving therapy (BCT) and has a high chance of stopping the cancer from recurring. As with all treatments involving x-rays, there are some downsides to radiation therapy. First, in order to wipe out the cancerous cells that might have formed (or remained) in the area where the tumor was removed from, the x-rays will eventually damage some of the healthy tissue too. Although the process is highly precise, the rays cannot make a difference between cancerous and normal cells, so they burn them together. Chemotherapy Chemotherapy involves the administration of drugs that kill the cancer cells or stop them from growing. Most chemotherapy medications are given through an intravenous line, although some are administered in pill form. Chemotherapy is a harsh regime, which often makes people feel more ill than the illness they are suffering from; however, it has been proved very effective. Chemotherapy is a great treatment method to use both prior and after surgery. With the help of this method, you can virtually contract the cancerous tumor before the actual surgery, making it easier and less complex to remove. In addition, chemotherapy is used in the same sense as radiation therapy after the surgical intervention, to stop the diseased cells to recur. Chemotherapy is administered usually in cycles where each cycle consists of a period of intensive treatment that lasts for a few days or weeks followed by a week of recovery. Most patients with breast cancer have two to four cycles of chemotherapy to start with before tests are performed to see what effects it has had on the cancer. Chemotherapy is different to radiation as it can treat the whole body with the potential of finding other tumor cells that have migrated from the breast and surrounding area. Many people are familiar with chemotherapys side effects although the side effects do depend upon drugs to treat the patient. The most common side effects are loss of hair, loss of appetite, fatigue, vomiting and low blood cell count making the patient more susceptible to infections, feeling sick or tired. Many notice that they bleed more than usual, especially from gums, sores and small scrapes etc.

There are three different chemotherapy strategies are used in breast cancer: Adjuvant chemotherapy this is given to patients who have undergone curative treatment for breast cancer such as radiation or surgery. In order to decrease the possibility of the breast cancer recurrence, this treatment is given. Pre-surgical chemotherapy this is given to shrink a large tumor and/or to kill any stray cancerous cells. This will also increase the chance that the surgery will kill the cancer completely. Regular chemotherapy this is given routinely to people who have breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast or the surrounding local area. Hormonal therapy may also be given, as many breast cancers such as those that have ample estrogens or progesterone receptors are sensitive to changes in hormones. Tamoxifen Breast Cancer Treatment Those women who are genetically at high risk of developing breast cancer may benefit from tamoxifen as it has previously been seen to decrease the incidence of the disease occurring. Raloxifene, which is used to treat osteoporosis, is now being studied for treating breast cancer. In some breast cancer cases, a womans natural hormones are suppressed with drugs whereas other patients find benefits by adding hormones. Tamoxifen for instance is currently the most commonly prescribed effective hormone treatment. It can be used for treating breast cancer and in the prevention of breast cancer. Tamoxifen has few side effects and can considerably improve the life span of those women who have advanced cases of breast cancer. Fulvestrant Breast Cancer Treatment A further treatment, Fulvestrant has recently been approved in the USA. It is planned to be used for treating hormone receptor positive metastastic breast cancer in women who have been through the menopause. It is given following antiestrogen therapy. Monoclonal Breast Cancer Treatment Another treatment known as monoclonal is antibodies that are antagonistic against the proteins, which are in or around cancer cells. They recognise an invader such as a cancer cell and attack it. This antibody therapy is currently being investigated holds out a lot of hope for breast cancer sufferers. Excessive alcohol intake and obesity following menopause can increase the risk of developing breast cancer although this increase is slight. Those physically active women have a lower risk. Preventative or Prophylactic Mastectomies More and more women who are at a high risk of developing breast cancer are having preventative or prophylactic mastectomies to avoid them developing breast cancer. The main risk factors for women to develop breast are age, sex and genetics. Women can do nothing about some risks so preventing death caused due to breast cancer is recommended with regular screening. Women should undertake regular screening including self-examination, mammography and clinical breast examinations. I hope that reading the above information was both enjoyable and educational for you. That's how things stand right now. Keep in mind that any subject can change over time, so be sure you keep up with the latest news. Nishanth Reddy is an author and publisher of many health related websites. To learn more about Breast cancer symptoms, causes, stages and different treatment options available to cure Breast cancer, visit his website at Breast Cancer Information

Passive Smokers Can Get Breast Cancer

by: Jasdeep Singh
http://www.e-healtharticles.com/Detailed/289.html
US scientists have claimed that secondhand smokers are at higher risk of Breast Cancer. Earlier, their research also led to them to the conclusion that young women smokers are more likely to get addicted to smoking than young men. Breast Cancer is the number one cancer among women and the count of its victim are rising very rapidly. This is for the first time that passive smoking has been directly linked with some sort of cancer. World Health Organization links smoking with 25 Cancers: Some of these cancers are : uterine, kidneys, cervix, pancreas, head and neck... The study firmly proves that smoking is not only injurious to your health but also to the company you are with. Wake Up! Smoking doesn't stop here with its side-effects. For women, smoking also increases the risk of strokes and heart diseases. And to add fuel to the fire, chances for heart related diseases gets ten-fold if they are taking birth-control pills side by side. Besides this, smoking is also responsible for : . Bad breath and stained teeth . Risk of stomach ulcers and acid reflux. . Charm on the face vanishes. Wrinkles develop soon. . Setting up wrong examples for your children. To learn more about ill-effects of smoking and to get tips and motivation to quit smoking, visit our website below. About the Author Jasdeep: for http://weightloss-health.com/ your complete and most comprehensive family guide on Health. Also get a chance to go through other informative articles targetting various health issues at http://weightloss-health.com/Articles.htm If you wish to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so, provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource box and LIVE link to our website

New Study: Meditation Helps Women with Breast Cancer

by: Jeanne Ball
http://www.e-healtharticles.com/Detailed/9292.html
Fear, anxiety and confusion often accompany the diagnosis of cancer or any life threatening disease. Being able to take control of one's emotions and navigate through treatment options and life style changes is essential for a speedy recovery. For managing stress and finding the inner strength to deal with a serious illness, many women find that learning Transcendental Meditation is a key factor. Not only does effective meditation provide deep relaxation and calm, but also better intuition and clarity of mind to face the challenges of fighting for one's life. A recent study gives encouragement for women with breast cancer for improving their ability to manage stress and find solace from within. A study published in the peer-reviewed Integrative Cancer Therapies (Vol. 8, No. 3: September 2009), "The Effects of Transcendental Meditation onWomen with Breast Cancer" found reduced stress and improved mental health and emotional well being through their practice of the technique. The study wasa collaboration between the Center for Healthy Aging at Saint Joseph Hospital; the Institute for Health Services, Research and Policy Studies at Northwestern University; the Department of Psychology at Indiana State University; and the Institute for Natural Medicine and Prevention at Maharishi University of Management. "It is wonderful that physicians now have a range of interventions to use, including Transcendental Meditation, to benefit their patients with cancer," said Rhoda Pomerantz, M.D., study co-author and chief of gerontology, Saint Joseph Hospital. "I believe this approach should be appreciated and utilized more widely." The one-hundred-and-thirty women with breast cancer, 55 years and older, who participated in the twoyear study at Saint Joseph Hospital were randomly assigned either the Transcendental Meditation technique or to a usual care control group. Patients were administered quality of life measures, including the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast, every six months for two years. The average intervention period was 18 months. Since emotional and psychosocial stress contribute to the onset and progression of breast cancer and cancer mortality, the Transcendental Meditation technique provides an effective technique to reduces stress and improves emotional well-being and mental health in breast cancer patients, the study found. Having a technique to experience inner silence and timelessness can alleviate the sense of helplessness women often feel in the face of a life threatening disease.Transcendental Meditation isan effortless techniqueand doesn't require anybelief system or ability to concentrate or focus. "The women in the study found their meditation practice easy to do at home and reported significant benefits in their overall quality of life. Decades of research have shown that stress contributes to the cause and complications of cancer," said Robert Schneider, M.D., F.A.C.C., co-author and director of Institute for Natural Medicine and Prevention at Maharishi University of Management. "The data from this well-designed clinical trial and related studies suggest that effective stress reduction with the Transcendental Meditation program may be useful in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer and its deleterious consequences." Facts on Breast Cancer Breast cancer is the most common cancer in womenand remains a leading cause of death. Breast cancer incidence in the United States is 1 in 8 (about 13%). In 2008, an estimated 250,000 new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in women in the U.S. Women above the age of 50 have nearly four times the incidence compared to women under 50. Newly diagnosed and long-term survivors are affected by impairment in quality of life, including emotional,

physical, functional, social, and spiritual domains. Psychosocial stress contributes to the onset, progression, and mortality from this disease. Clinical diagnosis of breast cancer increases psychological distress, with sustained distress occurring during cancer treatment and continuing long-term. There have been an increasing number of women using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for female-specific cancers. In terms of breast cancer, recent studies indicate that CAM use among women may be as high as 90 percent. As more and more women search for natural remedies for treatment of breast cancer, the Transcendental Meditation technique offers a foundation of inner peace andhealingto aidfaster recovery from disease.Since it is taught in a professional setting with one-on-one guidance and follow up, women suffering from a serious illness can be sure they are learning an authentic meditationwhose benefits havebeen validated by scientific research. Families may also benefit from the practice as they feel the impact of stress and worry almost as much or more than the cancer patient. Dealing with a crisis requires a level head and patience thatstress and tension can undermine. The introduction of Transcendental Meditation as an adjunct therapy in treating cancer is an encouraging sign, indicating the rise of integrative medicinethe medicine of the future. Jeanne Ball, teacher of Transcendental Meditation for over 35 years specializing in ADHD, ADD, addiction recovery, anxiety, depression, hypertension and other stress related disorders. Meditation for Women, Doctors on Meditation, TM.org