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Working Toward a Cancer-Free Future
Doctors and researchers work diligently every day to discover new and better ways to diagnose and treat cancer. The good news: There have been huge advances in the medical treatments available. The bad news: Not everyone knows about these breakthroughs and how they can help those who need them most. Whether you or someone you love has breast cancer, or you want to be prepared just in case, here’s an overview of some of the newest medical discoveries to help us conquer cancer.

A CUP OF PREVENTION
Recently, green tea has been promoted as a great source of antioxidants. New research suggests that this delicious drink may also be a key factor in overcoming breast cancer. Studies have shown that the high content of EGCG in green tea slows the growth of breast tumors and helps to prevent them from spreading. Now when you take a break and relax with a cup of hot tea, you will know you’re helping your body fight cancer cells.

A STEP AHEAD
Today, breast cancer research is about more than just discovering new ways to destroy tumors; it’s also about ways to prevent tumors from forming in the first place. Doctors are researching the use of flaxseed as a preventative therapy for breast cancer. Research shows that flaxseed lowers the amount of estrogen produced in the body, which could help prevent breast cancer tumors from forming and spreading. Flaxseed is also high in lignan compounds, which are antioxidants with characteristics similar to estrogen. These compounds help to decrease hot flashes. Hopefully, this research will soon lead to a day when
you can rest assured knowing that you’ve been protected from the risk of breast cancer. The best treatment for breast cancer is stopping it before it begins.

A SURGERY-FREE CURE
There’s no doubt about it: Surgery is frightening. Fortunately, a new clinical trial is studying the effects of a nonsurgical way to destroy cancerous tumors through radio frequency ablation. The process uses an ultrasound to locate the tumor so that the doctor can insert a probe, which uses heat, to destroy cancer cells. The treatment is minimally invasive and usually is accompanied by little or no pain.

NO BONES ABOUT IT
It’s important to know your body and your potential risk for developing breast cancer. Doctors have recently discovered that measuring a woman’s bone mineral density may provide crucial information to help determine her risk. Higher bone mineral density correlates with a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Knowing your risk means you’ll probably catch any signs of cancer earlier, and early detection coupled with new medical advancements means earlier treatment and recovery.

MANAGEABLE MAMMOGRAMS
We all know that regular mammograms help to detect tumors earlier. But just because we know what’s good for us doesn’t mean we always do it. Despite doctors’ recommendations that women over 40 should receive annual mammograms to help screen for breast cancer, many women avoid the procedure due to the discomfort caused by pressure on the breast tissue. Fortunately, new research is being conducted into ways to make the procedure more comfortable. Doctors have concluded that applying lidocaine gel before a mammogram significantly reduces the discomfort associated with the procedure. Simply ask your doctor if a prescription for lidocaine gel will benefit you.

As scientific discoveries continue to propel medicine into the future, hopefully we’ll make cancer a thing of the past.