Pumpkins abound- and they’re healthy!

Happy Halloween! Let’s make great use of all those pumpkins!

What a wonderful time of year it is- Fall! With Halloween in the air and Thanksgiving on the way we are surrounded by pumpkins everywhere! From carved pumpkins that are scary, funny, pretty or relay messages (i.e. my son and future daughter in law's countdown and wedding date) we love seeing them all!

In addition to the emotional side –going to the pumpkin patch, the fun of carving or the family working on it together that pumpkins offer, it’s most important to note pumpkin is healthy for you too! Pumpkin as an anti-cancer food is often forgotten about most of the rest of the year.  So what makes pumpkin help fight breast cancer?

First, pumpkin seeds contains Phytoestrogens; a plant compound that acts like the human estrogen. These can help prevent breast cancer by binding to estrogen receptors to assist by inhibiting the estrogen effects according to a study.  Many breast cancers are caused by and feed from estrogen, even male breast cancer.

The Beta-carotene content of pumpkin is converted in the body into Vitamin A which is another form of Antioxidant. These antioxidants help to protect the body against free radicals which can cause cancer. One cup of pumpkin can deliver 17mg of beta carotene, making it one of the highest sources.

Fiber has been shown to be a necessary component for lowering the risk of developing breast cancer when comparing those who consume the most to those who ate the least. Pumpkin is considered a good source of fiber.

Pumpkin is also considered to be low calorie. There are several studies out that do support a lower calorie diet with a lower incidence of breast cancer.  Most of us know already that obesity plays on a large concern of overall good health. It’s important to not “feed” the cancer cells, which is why a diet higher in vegetables, fruits and low glycemic foods are so important. “Contrary to normal cells, most malignant cells depend on steady glucose availability in the blood for their energy.” “Cancer cells thrive on glucose and starve on fats and ketones, which are food-derived energy units that are plentiful in low-carbohydrate diets.”

Whatever your recipe of choice is, fresh pumpkin can have enormous benefits! So if you choose to make your grandmother’s famous pie, add it to your smoothie (yummy!), or puree it and freeze it for a host of different recipes, pumpkins are more than just fun, they’re scary good for you too! 

Modah Ani- I Am Thankful

Vicki Singer Wolf, Co-Founder, Editor

Blog Action Day- Human Rights

Cancer Doesn’t Discriminate, Neither Should Anyone Else! #HumanRights, #Oct16

It’s expected over 2,000 new cases of Male Breast Cancer will be diagnosed with almost 500 men who will die from this disease. Yet, men may be denied insurance coverage for treatment and preventative measures simply because they are not women. Equality for breast cancer prevention and treatment is essential!

In relation to human rights #BAD13 regarding one’s health, we would hope that we are all eligible and have the opportunity to receive the highest level of physical and mental health standards that exist. Unfortunately when it comes to Male Breast Cancer, this is not always the case. To deny coverage on the grounds of gender is outright cruel.

So how would you feel as a man if you didn’t even know you were at risk for developing breast cancer? Should it matter to men if their mother, sister, aunts had breast cancer? Do men even have breast?  Yes they do! And who is checking for prevention or worse, a diagnosis? When you visit your doctor for your yearly physical (which hopefully you are and have some insurance to assist with this) and they are aware of your family history and risks, and they don’t check you for breast cancer, how does this make you feel? As a male especially if you are at a higher risk, you have the right to receive examinations and even mammograms or breast MRI’s. But most insurance companies don’t see it that way.

To date, there are still arguments over what age a female should begin to receive a mammogram, even if she is at a higher risk due to family genetics, etc. Should women receive routine mammograms starting at 50 years of age? 40? 35? I had my first baseline mammogram at 35 because I have a maternal aunt that had breast cancer. Fortunately for me, my annual mammogram a year later, assisted with early detection of breast cancer. If I had waited till I was 40 or 50- who knows if I would even be alive today!

Having sons with a family history of BRCA, breast and prostate cancer diagnosis, I don’t want them to have to wait until they feel something to get their first mammogram, however, insurance companies don’t necessarily feel the way I do.

And what happens when you’re a man and you might have breast cancer? You fill out the forms as if you were a woman; could you be pregnant? , when was your last menstrual cycle?  How old were you when you began to menstruate? Men with breast cancer should not be made to feel as though they have a stigma. Unfortunately there is not enough research for men with breast cancer and so they are treated "like a woman". Breast Cancer is a disease that affects both men and women, and for human health rights, they should be treated respectively as their bodies do have breast and they both have hormones that have an affect and are affected with the diagnosis. 

Changes need to be made, updates need to happen. Let’s begin recognizing that breast cancer is not just a women’s disease so we can all be treated equally. 

WHO Constitution: "the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being..."

Please, share this with your physicians and care takers so we can all be treated equally, preventatively and continue in good health. Visit HIS Breast Cancer Awareness at www.hisbreastcancer.org for more detailed information on male breast cancer. 

Modah Ani- I Am Thankful

Editor: Vicki Singer Wolf, Co-founder

National Previvor Day-for Men!

You’re a guy, with a family history of breast cancer, you become educated and decide to have genetic testing done and you test positive- do you have a prophylactic double mastectomy?

In today’s news it’s everywhere- Angelina Jolie tested positive for the BRCA gene, her mother died from breast cancer and she has chosen at 37 years of age to have both Breast removed as a preventive measure. What if you’re a guy? What about Angelina’s son?  What if you’re Grandmother, mother, aunt, sister had breast cancer or were tested positive for the BRCA mutation?  Well guess what- this is not just a woman’s disease and men need to be educated just as much!

Let’s talk about the specifics on testing for the genetic mutation, BRCA. Diagnosing if you have the BRCA mutation is accomplished by a blood test. Testing may or may not be covered by insurance depending on individual coverage as well as your family history risk factors. In addition, being a male, will add its additional challenges.   It is recommended you obtain all of the detailed information and receive genetic counseling prior to testing regarding the risks in case you receive a positive diagnosis so you are emotionally prepared for the changes in your life that will need to occur.

There are two types of mutation; BRCA1 and BRCA2, each with their own higher risk factors. The names BRCA1 and BRCA2 stand for breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 and breast cancer susceptibility gene 2. When there is a mutation of the gene, there is difficulty with prevention of uncontrolled cell growth and they can grow cancer. In women, there is a higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer and depending on whether it’s BRCA1 or 2 other cancers are at an increased risk as well. When a male is diagnosed with the BRCA1 mutation, there are increased risk of Breast, Pancreatic, Testicular and Prostate cancers. A BRCA2 mutation has an increased risk of Male Breast Cancer, Pancreatic and Prostate Cancers. Additional cancers such as colon, stomach, gallbladder and melanoma are also at a higher risk however there are more statistics for women (pre and post menopausal) than for men. 

So you’re a guy, with a family history of cancers; maybe a mom withbreast or ovarian, an uncle with prostate or pancreatic. You didn’t really think that the two were related but now you’re thinking twice about it (hopefully!).  You thought, my mom had breast cancer and maybe her sister (your aunt) did too, but that’s not important to me, only maybe a sister if you have one. Now you know more! You can be at risk for breast or other cancers too! What should you do?

First, get educated. Information can be a great tool. I had several bouts with breast cancer and that’s why I had BRCA testing done. Although I have 3 sons (no daughters) and two brothers, I had an aunt and my mother who both had breast cancer as well as uncles who died at a young age from other forms of cancer. I wanted my family to be educated.  Now after having my brother Harvey diagnosed with breast cancer as well as prostate cancer, we know that he and other members of our family also carry the BRCA gene mutation. Our sons are at a higher risk of carrying the gene and developing cancer. None of us to date have elected to have a prophylactic mastectomy however we do believe strongly in surveillance and have made many life style changes to help in prevention and fight our odds.  My sons and nephews have not been tested yet, however there will be a day when they will need more information and most likely will be.  If so, they may choose a preventive method such as mastectomy; each person needs to do what works for them, what puts their minds at some ease.  Until then, we choose to eat healthy, exercise, take nutritional supplementation and have a positive mental attitude but most importantly, we watch and listen to our bodies. Men can perform a self breast examination and learn their breast so they know if there is a change-just like a woman.  For men, an inversion at the nipple as well as any lump or discharge is a warning, so don’t wait, get it checked because men do get Breast Cancer.  Know your family history; think about having genetic testing and you may choose the “Jolie” way for prevention. Also, men can have cosmetic surgeryfollowing a mastectomy, just like a woman.

There’s so much more information available than I can fit into this so please view the links below to learn more about BRCA Genetic testing and Male Breast Cancer; then you can make an educated decision, learn your risks and take the right preventive measures for you whether that includes a ProphylacticMastectomy is up to you.

HIS Breast Cancer Awareness

http://hisbreastcancer.org/

FORCE- Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered

http://www.facingourrisk.org/index.php

Cancer.gov

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/BRCA

Or

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/malebreast/Patient

Moffitt Cancer Center

http://www.moffitt.org/research--clinical-trials/partnerships--studies/icare/overview

Best of Health,

Modah Ani- I Am Thankful

Editor; Vicki Singer Wolf, Co-Founder

Learn More About Prostate and Breast Health

Most men are already aware of the risk of developing Prostate Cancer so let’s talk about some things you may not know as well for September’s National Prostate Awareness Month.

First, in addition to prostate cancer, if you have a family history of breast (female or male) pancreatic, melanoma or other cancers, you may be at an increased risk due to your genetic background. If your family is from the Ashkenazi European Jewish decent, there is a higher risk that you are a carrier of the BRCA genetic mutation which could increase your risk for any of these types of cancers.  Men with a BRCA genetic mutation may be twice as likely to develop prostate cancer.   It’s important to note that both Male BreastCancer and Female Breast Cancer within the family may warrant genetic testing to be completed to determine if you have an increased risk of also receiving a Prostate Cancer diagnosis.

Prostate cancer is a malignancy of the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. Often there are not many symptoms that occur so an early diagnosis is not often the case. This allows for the cancer cells to spread to other areas such as the lymph nodes, bones and the lungs. Prostate cancer may be found from a doctor’s examination as well as by a blood test for the PSA level.  The prostate – specific antigen is a protein produced by cells of the prostate gland. When the PSA level in the blood is elevated it may be a signal of prostate cancer but it is not always the case and additional testing may be needed. When Prostate cancer is found in its early stages while contained in the prostate gland, it can be treated with very good chances of survival. Approximately 85% of American men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer are in an early stage and it is usually found to be slow growing.

In addition to genetics, there are a few job hazards that have been associated with a higher diagnosis of prostate cancer such as welders, battery manufacturers, and others often exposed to metal cadmium.

So besides your genetics, and your occupation, what can you do to help with some preventive measures? Because hormones play a role in the cause, choosing a diet lower in fat, especially from red meat, assist with the amount of testosterone in the body which can speed the growth of prostate cancer.  Add cruciferous foods to your daily intake such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale and cabbage as well as tomato sauce to help reduce your risk. As in most cases, keeping a healthy body-weight along with an exercise regimen are helpful.  In addition some of  the following supplements are suggested to assist with the prevention of prostate cancer; Green Tea, Lycopene, Vitamin D, Selenium, Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), Melatonin and Cruciferous supplementation.

Remember, if you have a family history of breast and/or prostate cancer, please make sure to let you doctor know and discuss if genetic testing should be considered.  Know your risk, take charge of your own body and your health and in addition to your yearly physical, check up and blood work for prostate cancer, please check your breast for Male BreastCancer too! Both, when found early can make all the difference in saving lives.

Modah Ani- I Am Thankful

Editor; Vicki Singer Wolf, Co-founder

GRILLING HEALTHY

Starting to think about what you’re going to cook on that grill? Can you smell that barbecue in your mind? Should you be concerned about the risk of grilling?

You may have heard that cooking foods on a grill, broil or frying at high heat can be carcinogenic? There are two primary types of carcinogens that can form on the meat: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines(HCAs).  Studies suggest that HCA’s may damage DNA and can enhance tumor cells of the breast, prostate, colon and lymph system.  Cooking at temps of 350 degrees and higher can cause amino acids and creatine which is a natural compound for supplying energy to muscles react to form HCAs.  While grilling, PAHs form when the fat (if grilling fatty foods) drips onto hot coals, the smoke that is created settles on the foods which are the compounds that have been associated with increased risk of breast cancer.

As we’ve mentioned before, there are always better choices that can be made so you can still enjoy yourself and make healthier decisions; risk of grilling foods is just one tiny piece of the greater picture for your overall health. First you are hopefully aware of your family health history and genetics to know what some of your risks are. Also, being of good physical health (appropriate weight, exercise 3-5 times a week, etc) are some key factors of taking care of your body. So here are a few helpful food suggestions to make this summer holiday an enjoyable time with friends and family.

·         Choose less fatty foods such as fish or seafood which seem to form less HCAs than beef, pork and poultry.

·         If you are going to choose “organic” meat or poultry, trim as much fat as possible

·         Rub it on!  Marinate your foods with a beer or wine base for a minimum of 30 minutes before cooking. Use rubs that include herbs such as rosemary, basil, oregano, turmeric, etc. which appears to reduce HCAs.  Ingredients with an antioxidant effect reduce HCA levels by up to 100 percent.

·         Cook your meats over a low flame and do your best to keep fat and juices out of the fire.

·         Enjoy a nice “organic” salad with lots of fresh fixings added in

·         Pile on the fresh “organic” veggies, especially those cruciferous ones such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale and Brussels sprouts which are rich in nutrients, including carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin), Vitamins C, E, and K and minerals for their anticancer effects.  A study shows “men who ate about 2 ½ cups of Brussels sprouts every day for three weeks reduced their DNA damage significantly”.

·         Add fresh “organic” fruits to your meal for flavor and their anti cancer properties.

·         Look at your plate! Your plate should consist of mostly veggies and grains with protein being the smaller amount -about the size of a playing card in your hand. 

With the many great options of foods to add to your cook out this holiday weekend there’s no reason you can’t enjoy and satisfy your taste buds and your stomach. Remember to drink responsibly, drive safely, enjoy your time with family and friends and most of all have fun! I know I will! Happy 4^th of July!!

Modah Ani- I Am Thankful

Editor; Vicki Singer Wolf, Co-founder

Teach Your Children Well

A little boy grows up, often looking up to his father in so many ways. A father teaches his son how to do many things; play hard, drive a car or truck, learn about sports, fix things, learn a trade, educate, teach financial responsibilities, treat others well and so on….

This is a new time, and it’s important to also teach our sons how to be responsible for their health; Exercise, eating healthy, making better choices and doing a self breast/peck exam just like a mother would teach their daughters as they mature. I know this sounds crazy, but times have changed and we are becoming more educated.

 With genetic testing available, knowing your family history has never been more important. As a man, if you have a family history of breast cancer (male or female), ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic, melanoma, stomach or colon cancers, it’s possible you are a carrier of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation. If you are a carrier which is determined by a blood draw, you or your family are at a higher risk of developing one of these cancers but that does not mean it will happen! Learning about your genetic background provides you with an education to assist with the choices you make, your lifestyle and to teach your children the same.  With Angelina Jolie’s choice for prophylactic mastectomy in the spotlight because she is a carrier of the BRCA gene, she will also have to provide even more education for her birth daughter and son as it does effect each of them.  You can visit the HIS Breast Cancer Awareness web site for links to learn more about the BRCA gene mutation.

This Father’s Day we are reminding you to take a few minutes to perform a self breast/peck exam. Male Breast Cancer- MBC (or male peckcancer-mpc) no matter what you want to call it, is the same for men as it is for women. Although there is a lower percentage of diagnosis, it is often found after it has progressed too far, sometimes not even knowing it started in the breast by the time it is diagnosed.  We urge each person to ask their family doctor to include a male breast exam with each yearly physical, then doctors and their patients will begin to understand and accept that this isn’t just a woman’s disease.

Unfortunately many men are aware of mothers, aunts, sisters who have been diagnosed or have died from breast or ovarian cancer and don’t realize this can also have an effect on their breast too.  This week alone I have listened to two public announcements by prominent hospitals regarding mammography for women, nothing even mentioned about men! I have sons who have a family history of breast andprostate cancers and BRCA2 and men need to know they too can be diagnosed and should be checked. Read previous blogs by men on the HIS web site who have been diagnosed with MBC and how they discovered it, always in shock to hear, as most men don’t even think they have breast!

See our  “how to perform a self exam”  at www.hisbreastcancer.org and print out a pdf of the brochure with more detailed information to share with your physician and loved ones.  Teach your children (or anyone) to know their family history/risk and take the time to check.

Remember to take care of your breast/pecks and teach your children well.

Happy and Healthy Father’s Day!

Modah Ani- I Am Thankful

Editor; Vicki Singer Wolf, Co-founder

WHY Didn't I Have a Mastectomy?

I carry the BRCA2 gene mutation, I have had several bouts with breast cancer and I have NOT had a mastectomy- WHY?

When I was approaching 35 years of age, I had my first baseline mammogram since I have a maternal aunt (now 97!) who had breast cancer along with a mastectomy while in her 70’s.  When I was 36, my mother (now 88) was diagnosed with breast cancer also in her 70’s and I was reminded it was time for my annual mammogram. One month following my mother, I too was diagnosed with breast cancer. Over a span of eleven years I had 4 positive breast cancer diagnosis, 7 surgeries including lumpectomies on one breast, the Sentinel lymph node tested and was treated with six weeks of radiation and Tamoxifen for five years.

When my husband and I met with my breast surgeon after my second recurrence (18 months after my original diagnosis) we asked, “what can “we” do”? The answer at that time was, “we will keep a close watch and have a mammogram every 6 months”.  We decided that was not enough and after a great deal of research, realized there are things that we can do to help ourselves.  My husband and I sold our chain of drugstores and went into the business of a health food store. Our lifestyle changed to organic foods, a better exercise regimen, ways to reduce our stress and a full regimen of nutritional supplements.

After my last diagnosis, I decided to go for genetic testing and was diagnosed with the BRCA2 mutation. I then had a full hysterectomy (oophorectomy) due to the higher risk of developing ovarian cancer as well and the difficulty in an early diagnosis.  Sharing this information with my husband, sons and brothers, at that moment it was obvious that all of our lives would change from that point forward.

Having the BRCA2 mutation puts family members that also carry the gene at a higher risk of Prostate, Pancreatic, Stomach, Melanoma and other cancers. A few years later my brother was diagnosed with Male Breast Cancer and then Prostate cancer and after testing we know he is also a BRCA2 carrier. This means our sons (between us we have 5) now have an increased risk of also carrying the mutation and higher percentage of these cancers.

So, you ask why did I not have a mastectomy? For me, I have always felt like I do everything I can for prevention and/or an early diagnosis with a mammogram at 6 months and a breast MRI at the next 6 months. Every person’s body makes cancer cells, however having the BRCA mutation; our body is unable to destroy them. Since it appears my cancer cells go to my breast (4 times…) I feel having them helps me to find and remove the cancer. If I take away my breast, where will the cancer go? And how will I find it? Keeping my breast actually puts my mind more at ease! Having had the hysterectomy, I removed the area that is harder to diagnose. 

What I do believe is everyone is different and how we each deal with a situation is an individual decision. I appreciate what Angelina Jolie has done for her and her family. Her children (male and female) will grow up to make their own decisions about what works for them, if they too are carriers. My 3 sons have not been tested yet, however they live their life with the awareness they may be at a higher risk for a cancer diagnosis. If one or all of them are carriers, then it will be their decision as to whether they have a prophylactic mastectomy for Male Breast Cancer or take a more cautious road and keep a close watch as for all cancers. Either way, they are educated, informed and aware and that is the first step in the right direction.

My brother and I created the non-profit organization, HisBreast Cancer Awareness to help educate others about Male Breast Cancer and the BRCA genetic mutation. It’s important men know they too have breast, are aware if they have a family history of these cancers they may also be a BRCA carrier and they know what their options are if they choose to be tested. Men and women need to be educated for themselves and for their children, both daughters and sons.

Modah Ani- I Am Thankful

Editor; Vicki Singer Wolf, Co-founder

Should Men Have a Mastectomy?

You’re a guy, with a family history of breast cancer, you become educated and decide to have genetic testing done and you test positive- do you have a prophylactic double mastectomy?

In today’s news it’s everywhere- Angelina Jolie tested positive for the BRCA gene, her mother died from breast cancer and she has chosen at 37 years of age to have both Breast removed as a preventive measure. What if you’re a guy? What about Angelina’s son?  What if you’re Grandmother, mother, aunt, sister had breast cancer or were tested positive for the BRCA mutation?  Well guess what- this is not just a woman’s disease and men need to be educated just as much!

Let’s talk about the specifics on testing for the genetic mutation, BRCA. Diagnosing if you have the BRCA mutation is accomplished by a blood test. Testing may or may not be covered by insurance depending on individual coverage as well as your family history risk factors. In addition, being a male, will add its additional challenges.   It is recommended you obtain all of the detailed information and receive genetic counseling prior to testing regarding the risks in case you receive a positive diagnosis so you are emotionally prepared for the changes in your life that will need to occur.

There are two types of mutation; BRCA1 and BRCA2, each with their own higher risk factors. The names BRCA1 and BRCA2 stand for breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 and breast cancer susceptibility gene 2. When there is a mutation of the gene, there is difficulty with prevention of uncontrolled cell growth and they can grow cancer. In women, there is a higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer and depending on whether it’s BRCA1 or 2 other cancers are at an increased risk as well. When a male is diagnosed with the BRCA1 mutation, there are increased risk of Breast, Pancreatic, Testicular and Prostate cancers. A BRCA2 mutation has an increased risk of Male Breast Cancer, Pancreatic and Prostate Cancers. Additional cancers such as colon, stomach, gallbladder and melanoma are also at a higher risk however there are more statistics for women (pre and post menopausal) than for men. 

So you’re a guy, with a family history of cancers; maybe a mom withbreast or ovarian, an uncle with prostate or pancreatic. You didn’t really think that the two were related but now you’re thinking twice about it (hopefully!).  You thought, my mom had breast cancer and maybe her sister (your aunt) did too, but that’s not important to me, only maybe a sister if you have one. Now you know more! You can be at risk for breast or other cancers too! What should you do?

First, get educated. Information can be a great tool. I had several bouts with breast cancer and that’s why I had BRCA testing done. Although I have 3 sons (no daughters) and two brothers, I had an aunt and my mother who both had breast cancer as well as uncles who died at a young age from other forms of cancer. I wanted my family to be educated.  Now after having my brother Harvey diagnosed with breast cancer as well as prostate cancer, we know that he and other members of our family also carry the BRCA gene mutation. Our sons are at a higher risk of carrying the gene and developing cancer. None of us to date have elected to have a prophylactic mastectomy however we do believe strongly in surveillance and have made many life style changes to help in prevention and fight our odds.  My sons and nephews have not been tested yet, however there will be a day when they will need more information and most likely will be.  If so, they may choose a preventive method such as mastectomy; each person needs to do what works for them, what puts their minds at some ease.  Until then, we choose to eat healthy, exercise, take nutritional supplementation and have a positive mental attitude but most importantly, we watch and listen to our bodies. Men can perform a self breast examination and learn their breast so they know if there is a change-just like a woman.  For men, an inversion at the nipple as well as any lump or discharge is a warning, so don’t wait, get it checked because men do get Breast Cancer.  Know your family history; think about having genetic testing and you may choose the “Jolie” way for prevention. Also, men can have cosmetic surgeryfollowing a mastectomy, just like a woman.

There’s so much more information available than I can fit into this so please view the links below to learn more about BRCA Genetic testing and Male Breast Cancer; then you can make an educated decision, learn your risks and take the right preventive measures for you whether that includes a ProphylacticMastectomy is up to you.

HIS Breast Cancer Awareness

http://hisbreastcancer.org/

FORCE- Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered

http://www.facingourrisk.org/index.php

Cancer.gov

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/BRCA

Or

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/malebreast/Patient

Moffitt Cancer Center

http://www.moffitt.org/research--clinical-trials/partnerships--studies/icare/overview

Best of Health,

Modah Ani- I Am Thankful

Editor; Vicki Singer Wolf, Co-Founder

Why choose rBGH Free?

What is rBGH? Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone is an artificial growth hormone made by Monsanto and approved by the FDA for use in boosting milk production in cows. rBGH is actually a synthetic (man-made) version of natural bovine somatotropin (BST), a hormone produced in cows’ pituitary glands. rBGH is the largest selling dairy animal drug in America and as a matter of fact, the U.S. is the only developed nation to allow for humans to consume milk from cows given artificial growth hormone. How does this effect someone with concerns of breast cancer? 

Health effects or rBGH are not 100% known but studies have suggested the following; Cow’s treated with rBGH have higher levels of IGF-1 (Insulin Like Growth Factor-1). Although IGF-1 is naturally found in humans, high levels are associated with an increase risk of developing colon and breast cancer. In A 1991 report by Rural Vermont, a nonprofit farm advocacy group, revealed that rBGH-injected cows that were part of a Monsanto-financed study at the University of Vermont suffered serious health problems, including an alarming rise in the number of deformed calves and dramatic increases in mastitis, a painful bacterial infection of the udder, which causes inflammation, swelling, and pus and blood secretions into milk. These findings are supported by Health Canada’s 1998 report, which concluded that the use of rBGH increases the risk of mastitis by 25 percent, affects reproductive functions, increases the risk of clinical lameness by 50 percent, and shortens the lives of cows. Why is this important for you?

Whey Proteinis a mixture of globular proteins isolated from whey, the liquid material created as a by-product of cheese production. In other words whey is one of the two major protein groups found in milk. When purchasing whey products, it’s important to look for one’s that are certified rBGH free. Other options for additional protein would be to choose Pea (vegetable) or Plant; these proteins are usually non-allergen, non-dairy, low in fat and ideal for vegans as well and are often easier to digest than whey protein.  Dr. Andrew Abraham, a cancer survivor developed a nutritious ready to drink product called Orgain that contains whey and fruits and vegetables from wholesome and organic ingredients. You can have the best of both; you just need to do a little searching.

When shopping for cheese products or if you choose to add a protein powder to your daily nutrition for weight management, during chemotherapy for nourishment, as an athlete for post workouts, an alternative for an animal free protein or just a quick option as a meal, be sure to choose one that’s right for you, will do your body good and is without the addition of artificial growth hormones and rBGH.

Modah Ani- I Am Thankful

Editor; Vicki Singer Wolf, Co-Founder
Co-Editor; Jeremy Michael

Check In For Diets

Time for a Breast Cancer check in for what’s new and any of the latest findings, statistics and more!

I know some weeks it seems like Breast Cancer is in the news daily and other times we don't hear enough! So here’s a little update of information being shared around the world. Keep in mind although we're not mentioning Male Breast Cancer specifically, men continue to be treated the same as women until new statistics are found.

First let’s talk about diet, something we actually have control of! Recent studies have linked High-Fat Dairy products to poorer Breast Cancer Survival.  When a person has been diagnosed with BreastCancer it appears their chance of dying from the disease years later is increased when consuming a high-fat dairy diet according to a study by Kaiser Permanente researchers.  This is one of the first studies to examine the relationship between high-fat and low-fatdairy.  The primary issue relates to the higher Estrogen levels found in the dairy products consumed because most of the milk comes from pregnant cows.

Our suggestions in addition to selecting from a low-fat dairy diet are to choose organic or grass fed products where the animals are not fed diets which include added hormones. This would make for the same options when choosing meats and poultry products as well.

While we’re on the topic of diet, new research from the University of Guelph and David Ma, a professor and one of the study’s authors shows a lifelong diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids have been found to inhibit growth of breast cancer tumors by 30%. This study which was published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry may be the first to show without a doubt that omega-3’s reduce cancer risk.  In addition, now researchers from the Fox Chase Cancer Center have found that omega-3 fatty acids could be a safe and beneficial way to boost tamoxifen therapy to aid with the interference of estrogen.  Both men and women can have estrogen dominant breast cancer.  The combination of fishoil and tamoxifen were able to reduce the expression of the genes linked to tumor growth as well as spreading.

In regards to omega-3’s (healthy building blocks of good fats) diets rich with omega-3 is recommended which would include Flaxseed Oil and or seeds, Salmon, Fish Oil, Chia seeds, sardines and products obtained from animals that are grass-fed which produce higher amounts of the omega-3. Taking a nutritional supplement of omega-3 can also help when diets are limited. Omega-3 can also aid with inflammation (another creator of cancer cells), Walnuts stand out for their significant omega-3 content as well as winter squash such as pumpkins, butternut, acorn and spaghetti squash. With so many tasty options, and great ways to consume, getting more omega-3 into your diet is easy!  I like to sprinkle Flax or Chia seeds onto many of my foods, especially for breakfast! Or try a spoonful of oil in your smoothie shake or mixed in with applesauce are just more great ways, but I’m definitely a fan of the winter squash options!

I’ll follow up with more updates and findings so check back soon!

Modah Ani- I Am Thankful

Editor; Vicki Singer Wolf, Co-Founder