focus on health
::: for her :::
THE PROBLEM WITH BEING DENSE
A recent study conducted by the National Cancer Institute
(NCI) found no correlation between breast density and
increased risk of death from breast cancer, although the
NCI acknowledges dense breast tissue is directly related to
breast cancer risk.
THE PROBLEM IS that dense breast tissue can
obscure abnormalities on traditional mammography
scans, causing physicians to miss cancers at early stages.
According to a Harvard Health Publications
report, dense breasts contain more connective tissues
than fatty tissues. On mammography scans, fatty
tissue shows up black, while dense tissue shows up
white — problematic because cancerous lesions
and tumors also appear white. This contributes to
mammography's limitations for accurately detecting
cancer in dense breasts.
Possibly influenced by genetics, the tendency to
develop dense breasts has been identified in Caucasian
women more frequently than in other demographics.
Younger women often have denser breasts, although
breast involution — the deterioration of milk glands,
ducts and connective tissues — reduces density with age.
Density as a factor in breast cancer risk is more
typical in younger women, although women undergoing
hormone therapy before or during menopause and those
who do not lose breast density later in life may also be at
greater risk for breast cancer.
Eat to Beat PMS
Nearly 85 percent of all women suffer from one or more symptoms of premenstrual syndrome
(PMS). Eating a healthy diet can help ease symptoms and make periods less uncomfortable.
PMS IS CAUSED by hormonal and chemical
changes in a woman's body during the days
leading up to her period. Many women
experience a combination of physical and
emotional symptoms that can affect normal
life. Researchers have identified more than
150 symptoms associated with PMS, including:
• Abdominal bloating
• Anxiety and irritability
• Backache and muscle stiffness
• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Fatigue or feelings of exhaustion
• Swollen breasts
Some symptoms vary from month to
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month, making it difficult to treat a specific
one on a consistent basis. However, certain
foods have been shown to help alleviate or
exacerbate some symptoms associated with
PMS. For example:
• Vitamin E may help with breast
tenderness and swelling. Almonds are a
great source.
• Foods that are diuretics, such as asparagus
and melons, can help reduce bloating and
fluid retention.
• Foods high in sodium and sugar can cause
bloating and headaches. Instead, eat
nutrient-rich vegetables, such as spinach.
TO FIND A PHYSICIAN NEAR YOU, CALL 1-888-321-DOCS.
