October isn’t just another fall month; it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is the time when we shed light on breast cancer and stress the importance of screenings, like mammograms. But here’s the kicker: experts say that just catching the disease early isn’t enough. Prevention rolls well beyond the idea of early detection.
Researchers from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine—an organization boasting over 17,000 medical professionals—have mounting evidence that our lifestyle choices, particularly our diets and levels of physical activity, can dramatically impact our cancer risk.
Dr. Kristi Funk, a certified surgeon specializing in breast cancer, recently conducted a survey. She found that many women, especially in Alabama, may not realize just how strongly their food choices, exercise habits, and weight influence their risk for breast cancer.
“The role of diet and lifestyle is huge regarding breast cancer risk,” she remarked, explaining that a mere 5% to 10% of all breast cancer cases can be traced back to inherited gene mutations like BRCA or CHEC2.
Her research highlights that boosting your intake of vegetables, fruits, soy products, and fiber can help lower the chances of developing postmenopausal breast cancer. However, the survey information reveals that only 25% of women acknowledged diet as a risk factor. Most placed their focus squarely on mammograms and self-exams, which are essential but don’t actively prevent the disease.
Take the story of Alabama local and breast cancer survivor Nikia Lightfoot. Diagnosed at just 34 years old, her battle prompted her to radically change her lifestyle. Right after starting standard treatment, she switched to a plant-based diet the very next day. “This change not only aided my recovery but also ignited a newfound motivation to share my insights with others around me,” she shared.
Nikia explained, “Switching to a plant-based diet after years of eating meat felt overwhelming, but it was literally a life-or-death situation for me, which made it easier to commit. My advice? Give yourself some grace and consult with a nutritionist to help along the way.”
Her commitment to educating others led her to establish Vujee Vegan, a restaurant in Huntsville. Here, she seeks to dismantle the myths surrounding a plant-based lifestyle, making it more digestible for everyone. The aim is about more than just food choices—it’s about equipping people with real insights and on-the-ground tools.
The Physicians Committee also offers plenty of free resources, such as starter guides and a 21-day vegan kickstart app packed with recipes, shopping lists, and cooking tutorials. Notably, there are community rallies taking place this month in both Huntsville and Montgomery, aimed at linking local folks to invaluable prevention resources. You can learn more at LetsBeatBreastCancer.org.
