What's your breakfast got to do with breast cancer?

The fact that breast cancer rates in South American countries such as Brazil are nearly half that of the US and Canada is a clear reminder that the everyday choices we make about our diet and level of physical activity are completely relevant.

Women can reduce the risk of breast cancer by making basic lifestyle changes such as eating healthy, moving about more, staying lean, and drinking less alcohol. A moderate daily exercise routine will promote weight loss and hormonal balance, stabilizing your mood and the overall feeling of well being.

Many cosmetic products including lipstick contain lead and xenoestrogens. Synthetic hair dyes increase the risk for certain types of cancers. One-fifth of cases of non- Hodgkin's lymphoma among women are linked to hair-dye use. 

Proper risk assessment with the use of breast thermography can help provide you with the early warnings you need to make the necessary changes to become proactive. It is up to all of us to accept responsibility for our own health and start by practicing preventive healthcare. Simple and effective means of protecting our health are actually much easier and more effective than dealing with the full blown disease.