Posts Tagged ‘breast health’

Herbs for Better Breast Health

Monday, November 16th, 2009

Various cultures around the world have long known the enhancing and healing effects of herbs on breasts. Now the medical community is getting in on the act too.

Research at the acclaimed M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, has motivated interest in the use of tumeric in both the prevention and treatment of several cancers. A 1999 study published in Cancer Letters showed the herb’s ability to contain the spread of cancer when used in conjunction with other breast cancer treatments.

Dr. Andrew Weil, researcher, author and head of integrative medicine at the University of Arizona, recommends diets rich in estrogenic herbs and foods to women. In his research, Dr. Weil notes that Asian women who consume 20 times more phytoestrogens than western women, have one-fifth of the breast cancers than western women – and experience fewer hysterectomies.

Herbs to help promote breast health:

  • Fenugreek
  • Wild Yam
  • Red Clover

Questions? Ask us. Your breast health is our first priority.

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Male Breast Cancer

Monday, November 2nd, 2009

Though it does not occur with the frequency of female breast cancer, male breast cancer is still a serious issue and worth learning more about.

Many of the signs or symptoms of male breast cancer are

the same as for women. These may include:

  • A lump or swelling in the breast, nipple or chest muscle
  • Dimpling or puckering of the skin in the breast/chest area
  • Retraction of the nipple (turning inward)
  • Discharge from the nipple
  • Redness, scaling or irritation of the breast skin or nipple.

A more common breast disorder that occurs in men is gynecomastia, which is not malignant, and is an increase in the amount of a man’s breast tissue. Should a man you love exhibit any of these symptoms, make sure he sees his health care provider.

Because men have very little breast tissue, a cancer does not need to grow very far before it may involve the

skin covering the breast or the muscles underneath the breast. This means that while the tumor may be small, it’s possible that the cancer has spread beyond the breast. As always, early detection increases curability. Share this with a man you love.

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If your sister said…

Monday, October 26th, 2009

She was going for a mammogram, but didn’t want to drive the 15 minutes to get to the best facility in town, what would you say?

Would you tell her the extra few minutes could help keep her healthy and maybe even save her life?

Would you tell her that listening to three extra songs in the car on the way to the only certified breast center in the coastal South Carolina was worth it?

Would you tell her you loved her and make your mammogram appointment for the same day?

If it was your sister, where would you want her to get her care – at the closest facility – or the best facility?

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Get to know your breasts

Thursday, October 8th, 2009

It doesn’t really matter if you were one of those girls who begged for a training bra before you actually needed one – or whether you “blossomed” early – they’re your breasts, hopefully for life.

Most likely you don’t give them a whole lot of thought.

We’d like to ask you to get reacquainted with your breasts. Seriously.

Get familiar with the appearance and feel of them. Why? Because when you get to know your breasts, you’re much more likely to notice any changes. And, don’t forget to have a physician-performed clinical breast exam at least every three years.

Breast changes to be aware of:

  1. Size or shape – e.g. one breast might become larger or lower than the other.
  2. Skin texture – such as puckering or dimpling of the skin.
  3. Appearance or direction of nipple – e.g. one nipple might become inverted (turned-in).
  4. Discharge – a bloodstained liquid coming from one or both nipples.
  5. Rash or crusting of the nipple or surrounding area.
  6. Lump in the breast or armpit.
  7. Lumpy area or unusual thickening of breast tissue that doesn’t go away after your period.
  8. Pain in your breast or armpit that’s not related to your period.

Remember, a change in your breasts doesn’t have to mean trouble, but awareness and early detection is key. Should you experience any of the changes above, get in touch with your physician. They’re your breasts. Help them live a long, healthy life.

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What your hair salon and your breast health have in common.

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

Not much really. Except that chances are, you put a lot more thought into where you get your hair done than where you get your mammogram.

Funny how we’ll go out of our way to ask a friend’s opinion, surf the web and hop from salon to salon to find the right stylist but never ask about think about the folks taking care of our breast health.

If you’re worried about getting that first mammogram, it’s good to understand that they’ve come a long way. (Maybe your Mom or an aunt told you that it was akin to torture?) Woman to woman, trust us – it’s not.

Don’t get us wrong. We know a great new hairdo can make you feel great. But we think being proactive about your health can be just as beautiful.

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