Staying Healthy

Since a lot of women appear to read this blog, I thought I'd pass something along I saw in the paper today. Researchers in Spain say one in three cases of breast cancer are preventable. It says one woman in eight gets the disease.

The researchers say that 25 to 30 per cent of breast cancer cases could be avoided if women were thinner and exercised more.

The researchers add that women shouldn't blame themselves for the disease because gender, age and family history (the three major risk factors) can't be controlled.

"It is incredibly difficult to isolate specific factors. Therefore women should in no way feel they're responsible for developing breast cancer,'' said one women researcher.

But another said they can't ignore the links between lifestyle and breast cancer. "If we know there are healthier choices, we can't not recommend them just because people might misinterpret the advice and feel guilty. If we are going to prevent breast cancer, then this message needs to get out, particularly to younger women.''

One key is not getting overweight in the first place because they're not sure if women who lose weight can lower their risk to the level of a woman who was never overweight.

They also said that drinking more than two drinks of alcohol a day can boost the risk by four or 10 per cent.

I know many women struggle with their weight so I don't want to go there, (and I need to lose at least 15 to 20 pounds myself so I'm in no position to lecture on the subject), but most people can at least do more walking.

Anyway, I got the message out. Do with it what you want.

FD