7 Things You Really Shouldn’t Be Doing To Your Breasts

How often do you think about your breasts? Probably more than you’d care to admit. And when you do, chances are you’re focused more on how they look—hoping they were bigger, smaller, perkier, or fill in the blank—instead of how healthy they are. So regardless of how your breasts make you feel—feminine, athletic, sexy, insecure—the fact remains that we all need to focus more time and attention to what’s happening beneath the surface (in the glands, tissue and ducts).

But how do you pay more attention to something you can’t actually see? “Well, for starters, you practice healthy, proactive behaviors that help to prevent breast cancer, while also promoting overall health. This includes everything from eating anti-cancer foods (i.e. fruits and veggies, fiber-rich foods, and those with flavonoids and carotenoids), to drinking water and getting in daily activity,” says Debra Miller, MD, an oncologist with GMC’s Center for Cancer Care-Hamilton Mill.  

These health-filled behaviors are just half of the equation, though. There are also a surprising number of everyday things that may impact your breast health more than you thought. So, for the sake of your girls, make sure you’re mindful of these 7 things:

1.    Wearing the wrong bra. “First things first, though, let’s be clear that wearing the wrong bra doesn’t cause breast cancer,” emphasizes Dr. Miller. But that doesn’t mean you should continue wearing ill-fitting bras—which is the case for nearly 80% of women.

“Even though it seems harmless enough, wearing bras that are too small can restrict blood flow and lead to breast discomfort,” explains Dr. Miller. “On the other hand, wearing bras that are too big, or aren’t supportive, especially while exercising, can lead to a breakdown of connective tissue in your breasts and breast laxity.”

2.    Sleeping on your side or stomach. Even though the common saying may be to sleep like a log, a majority of Americans prefer to snuggle up in a side- or stomach-sleeping position.

“However, it’s important to note that sleeping on your stomach—with your chest pressed against the mattress for hours—is tough on your breasts,” notes Dr. Miller. And let’s not forget the effects of side sleeping as well, this can cause your breast ligaments to stretch over time.  

3.    Having a daily drink. If you stick to the recommended 1-drink-per-day rule, then you don’t necessarily have cause for concern here. However, if you’re drinking 2, 3 or more glasses of red wine in the name of getting ample resveratrol, it’s time to cut back.

“That’s because drinking 2-3 alcoholic beverages daily can increase your breast cancer risk by as much as 20%,” emphasizes Dr. Miller. “Plus, it’s not doing your liver, pancreas or blood pressure any favors, and can increase your risk for other cancers, too.”

4.    Removing hairs. Believe it or not, hairs can grow just about anywhere on your body—including your breasts. “Now as tempting as it may be to remove any solo hairs that pop-up, it’s important to resist the urge as tweezing, pulling or waxing hair from that highly-sensitive area may cause inflammation, irritation or ingrown hairs,” says Dr. Miller. “Plus you may notice the development of reactive nodules or lymph nodes as well.” So if you see a new hair, remember that it’s completely natural and leave it be, or reach out to a dermatologist to help safely remove it.

5.    Smoking. Given how bad smoking is all-around, you probably could’ve guessed that it’d be high up on the list of things to avoid when it comes to breast health. “But it isn’t just the fact that smoking increases your risk of lung cancer, heart disease and a host of other conditions, it’s also the fact that smoking promotes breast tenderness and increases your risk of breast cancer,” explains Dr. Miller. Oh, and let’s not forget that it can lead to premature breast sagging, thanks to a decrease in elastin.

6.    Consuming caffeine. There are a bunch of perks that daily cup of Joe offers—increased alertness, boosted energy and improved mood—but there are a few drawbacks as well. “For instance, if you’re a routine coffee drinker—or caffeine of any kind for that matter—you may be more likely to experience breast pain and tenderness due to cyst formation” notes Dr. Miller. Maybe it’s time to switch to herbal tea instead?

7.    Skipping the one-on-one time. No, we aren’t talking about alone time between you and significant other. Instead, we’re talking about taking some time each month for you and your breasts. As silly as it may sound, it’s important to take this time to do routine checks to monitor for any changes or abnormalities.

“Remember, you may be the first one to detect any changes in your breasts,” notes Dr. Miller. “Plus, studies have shown that applying pressure to your breasts can help to stimulate lymphatic blood flow, while also preventing the growth of cancer cells.”

In the event that you do find something abnormal—whether it’s a growth or lump, an abnormal sensation, changes to the texture or appearance of your skin or nipple—it’s essential to find expert care. And because cancer isn’t just a physical condition—it’s mental, emotional and social—cancer care shouldn’t just treat the physical symptoms. That’s why GMC’s Center for Cancer Careoffers every patient multi-faceted care to make every step of the cancer-healing journey a success.

Does Constipation Increase Your Colorectal Cancer Risk?

Despite the fact that it’s something almost everyone can relate to, constipation isn’t exactly a fun topic. It must be all the straining, bloating and discomfort that has us all wary—and rightfully so.

Unfortunately, though, there’s a whole lot more to this common condition than the discomfort it causes. After all, if you don’t like the way constipation makes you feel, chances are it isn’t doing your digestive tract any favors. In fact, it may actually be upping your risk of developing colorectal cancer.

So, should you be worried the next time you’re feeling a little backed-up? “Not exactly,” says Debra Miller, MD, an oncologist at GMC’s new Center for Cancer Care-Hamilton Mill. “The constipation-colorectal cancer connection is complicated.”

Does constipation increase your cancer risk?

When it comes to colorectal cancer, there are a lot of lifestyle factors that can increase your risk, but the jury is still out on whether or not constipation is one of them. “While constipation may not directly cause colorectal cancer, there may still be a connection,” explains Dr. Miller. According to several recent studies, this is why:

·         Chronic constipation may cause the amount of bile acids and other compounds to become more concentrated, so it’s best if your bowels move regularly.

·         Over time, your digestive tract is exposed to higher amounts of these compounds for longer periods of time.

What about laxatives?

“When constipation strikes, many of us have a one-track mind—it’s all about finding relief ASAP,” says Dr. Miller. Enter laxative options galore—some of the many go-to laxatives include: bulking agents, lubricant, emollient , stimulant and osmotic laxatives. But are all they all created equal? The short answer is no.

“On the one hand you have bulking agents, also known as fiber-based laxatives, which increase water content and bulk up stool, the same way that fruits and veggies do,” Dr. Miller adds. “In fact, it is believed that these laxatives may actually reduce your risk of colorectal cancer.”

“However, if you use lubricant laxatives, emollient laxatives or stimulant laxatives, you could be increasing your risk of electrolyte imbalances, laxative dependence, chronic constipation and possibly colorectal cancer,” notes Dr. Miller.

Are there healthy ways to relieve constipation?

“Well I can expand on that,” says Dr. Miller, “I’ll tell you the top tips to prevent constipation all together, as well as help prevent colorectal cancer.” As it turns out, many of the same factors that decrease your risk of constipation also decrease your risk of colorectal cancer. So to keep your digestive tract happy, healthy and cancer-free, keep these things in mind:

Exercise is essential. Exercise not only eases digestion, thanks to increased blood flow, it also helps to stimulate intestinal activity and get waste out.

Red meat and dairy shouldn’t be your favorite foods. While you’ve likely heard by now that red and processed meats increase your colorectal cancer risk, they may actually increase your risk of constipation, too. Oh, and if cheese is your favorite topping, you may stay clogged up.

To keep things running smoothly, drink plenty of water and opt for these high-fiber foods:

·         Legumes

·         Broccoli

·         Spinach

·         Nuts

·         Chia Seeds

·         Berries

·         Pears

·         Apples

IBS and IBD are common. If you find that your digestive tract only has 2 speeds—too fast or too slow—it may be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While IBS is far more common—affecting up to 45 million people—than IBD, both of these conditions are typically found in people under the age of 50.

Make sure you don’t get stuck. With the wrong care that is. With an extensive array of resources available to you through Gwinnett Medical Center, you can learn more about colorectal cancer and screen for it—all in the comfort of your own home. Get started with colorectal cancer prevention today by ordering your free screening kit online or by calling 678-312-5000 and select option 1.

However, in the event that you or a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, you can count on the experts at GMC's Center for Cancer Care. With a new location opening at GMC Health Park-Hamilton Mill, you can receive nationally recognized cancer care, in a convenient location that's close to home. 

The 6 Cancer-Fighting Foods You Should Always Have On Hand

For many of us, cancer is one of the scariest words in the dictionary. What’s even scarier—the number of new cancer cases seems to be growing worldwide. In fact, some experts expect for the number of new cases to increase up to 50% by 2030.

So, what could be the cause of these scary stats? Some experts believe that the answer lies in the ultra-processed foods that fill our daily diets. Now you may be wondering what exactly falls into the ultra-processed category? Everything from packaged breads/buns and savory packaged snacks to instant noodles and shelf-life ready meals.

While the cancer—food connection may be a frightening at first, this same connection can actually be beneficial. It’s time to change your diet from one that’s cancer-causing to cancer-fighting instead. Here are 6 foods—linked to cancer prevention—that you be adding to your diet ASAP.

1.    Chia Seeds

Put a little cha-cha back in your day with chia seeds. These little seeds are packed full of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and protein. The many antioxidants found in chia seeds are known to prevent lung and prostate cancer, while the rich source of fiber can promote digestive health and potentially reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Chia seeds are relatively flavorless and can easily be added to many kinds of dishes, making them one of the most versatile foods on this list.

2.    Red Grapes

Resveratrol is one of the most studied antioxidants, and is famously found in red wine. The good news is this cancer-fighting compound can also be found in the source of red wine—red grapes! 

Resveratrol is found in the skin of the grapes, which also contains several other powerful antioxidants, including anthocyanins and catechins. Grapes are also quite versatile – freeze them for a refreshing snack, roast them for a delicious meal topping, make a homemade jam or enjoy them right off the stem!

3.    Walnuts

Walnuts may be one of the most nutritious nuts on the market. They contain almost twice the amount of antioxidants as other nuts, and thanks to their high nutritional value, they can help fight heart disease, too. Fatty acids and polyphenols found in walnuts are known to help prevent colorectal cancer and prostate cancer, respectively. 

There have also been several studies suggesting walnuts may help suppress cancer growth in the breasts and kidneys as well. And fun fact, roasting walnuts makes it easier for the body to absorb these cancer-fighting nutrients. Roasted walnuts can be enjoyed as a snack or used as a topping for nearly any meal.

4.    Artichokes

Like walnuts, artichokes are rich in polyphenols, an antioxidant know to attack breast and colorectal cancer cells. While polyphenols cannot be used to treat cancer, they may be beneficial for preventing cancer cell growth in the first place. 

They also contain a significant amount of folate, a vitamin thought to reduce your risk of developing lung cancer. Artichoke hearts are known for adding texture to dips, but they can also be roasted or grilled and served as a delicious, healthy side.

5.    Blueberries

Blueberries may be one of the most famous cancer-fighting foods on the market. This is for good reason as blueberries have the highest total antioxidant capacity of any other food. 

They are extremely rich in anthocyanins, an antioxidant directly linked to hindering the growth of various cancer cells. Even better, they’re delicious! Whether you enjoy them in muffins, smoothies, yogurt or as a standalone snack, blueberries are a must-eat for anyone looking to fill up on antioxidants.

6.    Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts may get a bad rap for increasing our flatulent tendencies, but the high concentration of antioxidants found in this cruciferous vegetable may make them worth a bit of fiber-induced gas (just don’t eat them before a first date). Indoles and isothiocyanates are found in many cruciferous vegetables and are known to inhibit tumor formation in the lungs, colon, liver, breasts and bladder. 

Consuming Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables has been linked to preventing lung, breast and prostate cancers. While many people think of roasted or steamed Brussels sprouts served as a side, they can also be grilled or chopped into a delicious, cancer-fighting slaw.

Looking for cancer-fighting tips and recipes?

While diet alone can’t guarantee that you stay cancer free, eating foods rich in antioxidants can help in the fight against oxidation, a process that produces cancer-causing free radical cells. For healthy recipes containing your favorite antioxidant-rich foods, visit Everyday Wellness – GMC’s virtual hub for all things health. 

In the event that you or a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, you can count on the experts at GMC's Center for Cancer Care. With a new location opening in GMC Health Park-Hamilton Mill, you can receive nationally recognized cancer care, in a convenient location that's close to home.