When it comes to our health, we are often told to trust the experts and follow conventional wisdom. But what if that wisdom is based on outdated data or is simply wrong? As a health and wellness enthusiast, I have chosen to challenge the convention and refuse to get a screening mammography. This decision might sound radical to some, but I firmly believe that it is the best choice for my body and my overall well-being. In this post, I will share with you the reasons behind my decision and provide you with some evidence-based information that you can use to make an informed choice about your own health. Feel free to click on the link below for my youtube podcast on this very topic.
The Risks of Mammography
Breast cancer is a significant concern for women worldwide. That's why the routine screening mammogram has become a common part of preventative healthcare. However, most people fail to realize that mammograms have their downsides, too. Here we will discuss five ways in which screening mammograms can cause harm to women.
False Positives
Screening mammograms have a reputation for producing false positives. A false positive occurs when a mammogram detects an abnormality that is not cancer, leading to tests and procedures that aren't necessary. The false positive rate for mammograms is much higher for women under the age of 50, leading to more radiation exposure and overdiagnosis. False positives can also cause emotional distress and anxiety, creating a lasting psychological impact.
False Negatives
Screening mammograms may also miss cancers, which is known as a false negative. False negatives can be due to poor quality images or the fact that dense breast tissue can obscure the small cancer cells. Women with dense breast tissue should consider choosing an alternate breast cancer screening method, as well as limiting false negatives.
Overdiagnosis
Overdiagnosis happens when mammograms detect signs of cancer that would not have progressed, meaning it wouldn’t have caused any health consequences if left untreated. Overdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary treatment, surgery, and radiation that may worsen a woman's health and quality of her life. Overdiagnosis also adds a financial burden to the healthcare system.
Radiation Exposure
Mammograms expose women to ionizing radiation, which can increase the risk of developing cancer. Although this risk is relatively low, women under the age of 50, who are more prone to radiation-induced cancers, should take extra precautions. Radiation exposure is cumulative and can increase the risk of breast cancer over time. Although the risk is relativley small, studies have shown that frequent mammograms can contribute to breast cancer's development, which is a concern for women undergoing regular mammograms.
Unnecessary Treatment
Mammograms can lead to overtreatment of very slow-growing cancers that would never have caused problems if left undetected. Many treatment options come with potential drawbacks, such as serious complications, psychological problems, and a lower quality of life. Overtreatment also increases the costs of healthcare.
Lifestyle Changes for Breast Cancer Prevention
While screening mammography has its limitations and risks, there are several lifestyle changes that you can make to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. These include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding exposure to environmental toxins. In fact, studies show that up to 90% of breast cancer cases may be preventable through lifestyle changes and one of the biggest lifestyle changes you can incorporate relates directly to your diet. Asian women, eating their traditional plant based diets only have one fifth the risk of breast cancer than American women have.
Adopting a Whole Food Plant-Based Diet
Whole Food Plant-Based Diet Lowers Estrogen Levels: High levels of estrogen in the body can be a risk factor for breast cancer. A whole food plant-based diet is abundant in phytoestrogens, which are compounds that naturally block the harmful effects of estrogen. This reduction in estrogenic effects can help lower the risk of breast cancer.
Plant-Based Diet Reduces Inflammation: Chronic inflammation in the body has been linked to the development of cancer. Whole food plant-based diets have naturally anti-inflammatory properties due to their high levels of antioxidants, fiber, and plant-based protein. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds have been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation in the body and therefore can be an effective tool in preventing breast cancer.
Fiber and Plant Sterols: Studies have shown that fiber and plant sterols could reduce the risk of breast cancer. Fiber can help eliminate harmful estrogen from the body by binding it to waste products, making it easier to remove. Plant sterols are compounds that have been found to decrease cholesterol levels and improve the body's ability to block the absorption of harmful substances.
Lowers Body Weight: Being overweight is a significant risk factor for breast cancer. Eating a whole food plant-based diet can help you maintain a healthy weight as plant-based foods are generally lower in calories and high in fiber. Consuming plant-based proteins such as nuts and legumes can also help keep you fuller for longer.
Avoiding Animal Products: Diets that are high in animal products, such as meat and dairy, have been linked with increased levels of cancer risk. A whole food plant-based diet avoids these foods, which are often high in saturated fat and can contribute to inflammation and elevated estrogen levels in the body, all while providing a vast array of nutrients in their place.
Making an Informed Choice
Screening mammograms are not without their risks. Women need to weigh the potential benefits versus potential risks of screening mammograms, as added radiation exposure and overdiagnosis could cause harm. The benefits of mammograms outweigh the risks when used in the appropriate setting and with informed consent. Women should talk to their medical providers about their screening options to create a plan that best fits their individual needs.
Challenging convention can be scary, especially when it comes to our health. But as we learn more about the limitations and risks of traditional healthcare practices, it is crucial that we stay informed and empowered to make our own choices. By refusing to get a screening mammography and focusin on prevention with a healthy lifestyle, I have taken control of my health and improved my overall well-being. I encourage you to do your own research and consider all of your options when it comes to breast cancer screening and prevention. Your body will thank you.
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