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

WE ARE THANKFUL FOR YOU!

Often we are on the receiving line of the “thank you”; contacted by men, who have found us, found an outlet to share and to know they are not alone with a breast cancer diagnosis.  Today however we’d like to take some time to thank those that have helped us to spread awareness of Male Breast Cancer

HIS Breast Cancer Awareness was Co-founded in 2009 by Harvey I. Singer and Vicki Singer Wolf because we learned the hard way there is not a great deal of information available on Male Breast Cancer. When Harvey was diagnosed, the humiliation and stigmatism that went along with his diagnosis made dealing with breast cancer as a man, even that much more challenging than the diagnosis alone. As a breast cancer survivor I could guide him, as his sister, I was there to support him, however being a male with breast cancer took a whole different level of support and that’s when we vowed to help others.

We want to begin by thanking our amazing Medical Advisory Board. Without their guidance and continued information, our web site would not be what it is. We look forward to continuing our journey together and constant efforts in sharing significant information as new treatments, ways for prevention and hopefully a cure are discovered.

In addition, a big thank you to our dear friends AlanBassman, CPA for taking the time to assist us with obtaining our non profit status and all that you continue to do to oversee HIS from an accounting perspective. As well as Shelly and Guy Homer of The Homer Group for your hard work and contributions for our informative brochure and donation cards.

A huge thank you goes out to Fred Cohen of Championship LLC for creating awareness of Male Breast Cancer by being a pioneer in the Billiard world. We know you and Championship have numerous ideas that will continue to help us spread awareness together.

The partnering with other non profit organizations such as FORCE for Hereditary Education and Caring Bridge, a place for people to go to journal and share their days while enduring their treatments have been great assets to HIS and we hope vice-verse.

We also want to thank Woman’s World for their informative article in the April 30, 2012 edition for Male Breast CancerAwareness with HIS. Appearing in Woman’s World, was a wonderful outlet for women to teach and educate the men in their life. AOL’s You've Got, for doing such a great job with 2 creative pieces showing different perspectives for their “You’ve Got” web episodes on Harvey as a male breast cancer survivor and myself as a breast cancer support person. Thank you also to Bob of the PhiladelphiaInquirer for the wonderful article you wrote and taking the time to listen to our stories and sharing them in the special insert edition during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness month. Also the Huffington Post for their article on The Silent Story of Male Breast Cancer as well as the opportunity for Harvey to speak out  on HuffPost Live call about Male Breast Cancer. WOW it's been a busy year! 

We also want to thank those of you who have been our guest writers, who have written of your experiences and shared them with our readers so others can gain knowledge from you. We welcome others to share their story as well as this is so important for many to read and learn from.

Of course, we could not have done any of this without the support of our wonderful families and friends. Harvey has been married for 33 years to his amazing (saint) wife Donna and has 2 wonderful sons (my nephews) Matthew and Jameson. I have been married for 33 years to my husband Gary and have been blessed with 3 sons, Samuel, Jeremy and Sean and now my daughter in law Melissa as well as Jeremy’s girlfriend Melissa. All of them are not only understanding of our health needs, but have all added to the development and growth of HIS Breast Cancer Awareness in one way or another.

Our mother Libby (now 87) and our Aunt Ruth (now 97) both are breast cancer survivors and the foundation for our being.  We are very thankful for their good health, their great support and are our biggest advocates! They are both truly an inspiration to how a quality life can exist post a breast cancer diagnosis so many years later (plus their baking is superlative!).

My son Sam is the creator of our fabulous web site and continues to maintain it in addition to his very busy “real” job (and recent marriage). We can’t thank him enough for ALL that he has done and continues to do to assist and guide us. Without him, HIS could not reach so many people in such an informative way.

Without our amazing families, extended families and friends we could not have had the strength to endure our diagnosis and build this great organization.

Together we are making a difference with awareness and saving lives and we hope you all feel an overwhelming amount of gratitude. For all of you, we are very thankful.

HIS Breast Cancer Awareness relies on donations to help with education and awareness. Before this year comes to a close, please consider making a donation or SHOP our page for awareness products or donations cards in honor, in memory of someone you care about or a great way to send your Happy Holiday wishes.Click here to SHOP or donate;  http://hisbreastcancer.org/shop.html

HIS Breast Cancer Awareness is a registered 501(c)3 organization and all donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. HIS Breast Cancer Awareness acknowledges all donations by email or mail, with a tax receipt to the provided address.

Especially during this Thanksgiving Holiday; Modah Ani- I/We are very thankful; We hope you are too.

Editor, Co Founder; Vicki Singer Wolf

MOVEMBER-GROW IT FOR MALE BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

“Give me a head with hair, long beautiful hair
Shining, gleaming, streaming, flaxen, waxen
Give me down to there, hair, shoulder length or longer
Here baby, there, momma, everywhere, daddy, daddy...”

During November each year, “Movember“is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces, in the US and around the world to bring awareness and funds for men’s health issues. Most of the funding is for the promotion and awareness of Prostate and Testicular Cancers however this is another way we can help spread the awareness for Male Breast Cancer!

Since its humble beginnings in Melbourne, Australia, Movember has grown to become a truly global movement inspiring more than 1.9 Million “Mo Bros and Mo Sistas” to participate with formal campaigns in Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, the UK, South Africa, Ireland, Finland, the Netherlands, Spain, Denmark, Norway, Belgium and the Czech Republic. No matter the country or city, Movember will continue to work to change established habits and attitudes men have about their health, to educate men about the health risks they face, and to act on that knowledge, thereby increasing the chances of early detection, diagnosis and effective treatment.

Movember works to change and improve the habits and attitudes men have about their health in addition to educating them about their health risk; education like the recent findings related to the benefits of men taking a multi vitamin daily being diagnosed with 8% fewer cancers.   Without education, we cannot act on the knowledge and especially regarding Male Breast Cancer as most men are not aware they can be diagnosed with this disease, unlike Prostate and Testicular cancers.

So take that clean shaven face, or semi started facial hair and now’s your chance (excuse) to try out that mustache for a great cause!  When asked why you are “changing your look”, you can explain your cause for education, awareness and survivorship. In 2011, over 854,000 Mo Bros and Mo Sistas around the world got on board, raising $126.3 million USD.  In addition to educating others, they can also make a donation in honor of your month long growth to either Movember or directly to HIS Breast Cancer Awareness. For HIS donation information visit us on line at; http://hisbreastcancer.org/donate.html This month- show your face for the cause and all men's health issues.
“Flow it, show it
Long as God can grow, my hair”

Modah Ani- I Am Thankful
Vicki Singer Wolf, Co-Founder, Editor

Be Pro Active, Take Care of Your Body

Breast Cancer Awareness Month has officially ended- what should you do NOW? Are you the pro-active type or the wait and see if you really need type? I believe prevention is a key component in regards to cancer and overall health and wellness. Now prevention does not mean you will never have to worry about a cancer diagnosis because you're taking all precautions, however I believe it can help, or even delay a diagnosis and can especially assist our body with a stronger immune system if or when you are diagnosed.

Prevention for breast cancer may include all or some of the following. First it's a lifestyle which includes the foods you eat, the products we apply to our skin, the nutritional support of vitamins and minerals which our body is lacking, natural anti-inflammatory, exercise, relaxation techniques and hopefully laughter in your day.

Making better choices in the foods we eat is really important as it builds the base for everything else. Choosing foods lower in fat and organic when possible, less intake of sugar, higher intake of leafy green and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and kale, as well as whole grains and less or no white flour are a great start. Choosing organic products helps by eliminating the added hormones, antibiotics and pesticides animals are fed and found in the soil. Vegetables found to grow in an organic soil have also been shown to have healthier mineral/vitamin content. Even men have estrogen in their bodies and can be estrogen dominant in their breast cancer diagnosis so they also need to be concerned with added hormones especially found in meat,poultry and dairy. These are not just women's hormones! Sugar aids in feeding cancer cells so try choosing a natural sweetener like Stevia which is plant based and contains no chemicals and no calories.

Our bodies can’t possibly consume in the foods we eat all of the nutritional daily requirements which is why we recommend supplementation. Begin with a probiotic for the right environment to absorb vitamins and minerals. Taking a dry broccoli powder capsule, the spice Turmeric (works as an anti inflammatory), and medicinal mushrooms such as Maitake are just a few that may aid in prevention. See our Prevention tab on the HIS Breast Cancer Awareness web site for more nutritional suggestions. A book I also recommend for additional suggestions is called Anti-Cancer, A New Way of Life.

There are many skin care products available now that do not include parabens (Parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen, which is known to play a role in the development of breast cancers) and other artificial ingredients. Look for items such as deodorant without aluminum, moisturizers, shampoos, sun tan lotions, oral care and more without parabens, dyes and other preservatives. What we put on our body is absorbed into our body, so choose "clean" products.

Of course we all know how important exercise is! So no matter how little time you have, try to fit some in, even if it means taking the steps instead of the elevator during your work day. Every little bit helps.

And above all, make time for some relaxation (read a book, sit on a bench, meditate, spend time with friends, etc) and most importantly be sure to include laughter in your day. Laughter is the best prevention, a great medicine and it feels good too! 

October may have made you more aware of Breast Cancer, and hopefully you’re doing your own self examinations but don’t wait for a diagnosis. Maybe you have already started, or you have just learned about a few more ways, take the preventive steps to assist your body to stay healthy. Be Pro-active.

Modah Ani- I Am Thankful

Vicki Singer Wolf; Co-Founder, Editor

Gene's Cancer Journey Inspired by His Daughter...

We want you to never feel alone or ashamed with a diagnosis of Male Breast Cancer. HIS Breast Cancer Awareness is here to help and hopefully make changes. Read Gene's story as our 'Guest Writer'.  

We welcome others to share their story regarding Breast Cancer in Men as well. 

Modah Ani-I Am Thankful

Editor; Vicki Singer Wolf Co-Founder

It was sometime in August, 2011 just before our trip to Italy with close friends when I felt the lump in my right breast. Since our trip was so close, I made a mental note to check myself again when we returned. I forgot about the lump and we started on our bathroom remodeling. When I finally remembered about the lump, it was already early November. I felt again and it was larger than before.

 

I told my wife of 45 years that I felt a lump and that I needed to find a doctor familiar with Breast Cancer in men to examine me and determine if what I suspected was true. I did some research, found my Doctor and called his office to make an appointment. I was scheduled for a Mammogram and/or a Sonogram at St. Joseph’s Hospital Cancer Center on Monday, November 14. 

How did I know to examine my breasts? Most men, if they notice something at all would mostly ignore the lump assuming it was a cyst or something very benign. Fortunately for me, my daughter had found a lump three years earlier and as part of her journey she did a Genetic Test to see if she was a carrier of one of the Cancer Genes. As it turned out, she had the BRCA2 genetic marker. My wife had the same test done and she found out she was negative for the marker which left me as the original carrier. Once I knew, I read everything I could and while taking my daughter’s journey with her realized that I needed to continually examine myself for breast lumps.

On November 14, I had my Mammogram. The nurse came back in to take more images. Then I was sent to have a Sonogram also. I then saw the Doctor who immediately did a Biopsy of the lump. He told me that he was pretty sure that I had breast cancer but he would call to confirm by the end of the next day, Tuesday. He called around 6 pm and asked if I could come in with my wife the next day to meet with him? I said yes and the next day, we saw my Doctor and received the news about my Cancer.

I had Breast Cancer: Ductal Carcinoma – Invasive and Infiltrating; 0.9 cm, T1, 

Stage 1, Grade II Biology was Estrogen Receptor Positive (ER +) > 90% and Progesterone Receptor Positive (PR +) > 50%. My Ki67 Proliferation Index was 25 – 35% and the tumor had a doubling rate of 90 days (which meant that the first cell mutated about 7.5 years before I discovered it). For men with BRCA2, having Breast Cancer means a Mastectomy.

So, fortunately, my Doctor had an opening the day before Thanksgiving, November 23rd and I said do it! I was in and out on Thanksgiving Day and able to join my family at my son’s home for Thanksgiving Dinner and my youngest granddaughter’s Birthday. Chemo followed after some discussion and many second/third Oncologist opinions and now I am on a 20 mg Tamoxifen regimen for the next five years.

Thanks to my daughter, I did not ignore my symptom and am doing well today. Her taking her journey saved my life. She is MY HERO!

"My daughter just told me about your web site and after browsing it, I wanted to tell you that I think it is great that 'HIS' created this site for men to educate them about male breast cancer. The above is my brief story and I am willing to share my Cancer Journey so that others may know what they will go through. In my case, education eliminated any fear because I was already so well read on the subject. I am currently 67 and am back to living my life normally. This is my \"brief version\" of my journey."

Gene Taylor -Guest Writer