Snoring and lack of sleep may reduce your chances of survival from Breast Cancer!

Yet again women are threatened to strive, not from social stigma, patriarchal society or the burden of procreation, but from the global disease - Breast cancer! A new trend of this cancer is setting in gradually among the women of 30’s and 40’s, threatening their life at an early stage. Also, the number of incidences of breast cancer are growing exponentially world over; however, awareness or screening which is the most important factor for survival of these patients, is failing terribly. Lately, the shocking sleep studies have revealed, how poor sleep negatively affects inflammatory pathways, speeding up tumor growth and deteriorates cancer prognosis!

An unusual sound made due to obstructed air while breathing (in the sleep) is ‘snoring’, which is a strong factor for sleep deprivation according to the research fraternity. Biologically speaking, sleep is a condition wherein the body is at rest and exhibits a state of mind characterized by alternate REM (rapid eye movement) and non-REM sleep cycles with altered consciousness, inhibited sensory activity, voluntary muscles and no/reduced interactions with surroundings. Sleep is known to rejuvenate the body and mind, and a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of sleep recommended in humans maintains the overall mental and physical health. However, deteriorating sleep habits and disorders are just around the corner that not only reduce the quality of life, but also increase the threat for cancer. 

‘Unlike so many things that can impact cancer risk and cancer prognosis, sleep is something that an individual can potentially control,’ says Amanda Phipps from the University of Washington, suggesting a link between poor sleep quality, short sleep duration and increased cancer risk. Phipps’s research was based on assessing the impact of sleep characteristics on women with breast cancer; the verdict being an eye-opening comparative studies wherein women with less than 6 hours of sleep each night and snoring more than 5 nights a week, were atleast twice more likely to die from the disease. These results were unaltered keeping in account the number of factors such as cancer site, smoking status, marital status and physical activity status.

As the number of people affected with breast cancer increases, so does the need for its awareness and early cancer detection screening techniques. Apart from opting for early detection of abnormalities in the body, healthy, sufficient sleep is essential for individual well-being. Dr. Nathaniel Watson, president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine rightly says, ‘All adults should make it on of their top health priorities to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night.’

‘Its proven yet again, that a ‘good’ night’s sleep can shoo away many impending health threats!’

Worried about Breast Cancer? Eat Broccoli!

For all you women out there, here’s just another reason why you should add the green headed flower in your food platter. Yes! We are talking about broccoli, yet another member of the cruciferous vegetables family which is found to aid in cancer prevention. Let’s see what it has in store for women who are suffering from or are at risk of breast cancer.

Sulforaphane 
Cruciferous vegetables show high content of one particular compound - ‘Sulforaphane’ which has antimicrobial and anti-carcinogenic properties. As an anti-carcinogen, sulforaphane helps to maintain balance in levels of antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants are essential molecules that help to combat the harmful effects of various dietary, environmental and other types of carcinogens. More to add, sulforaphane is also found to increase the anti-cancer effects of chemotherapy drug – Taxol. Broccoli sprouts are also known to harbor 50 times the anti-cancer property of broccoli.

Why broccoli over other cruciferous vegetables?
Studies have proven that broccoli among the entire cruciferous family has the highest content of sulforaphane making it yet another potent anti-cancer weapon. Next in line with high content of sulforaphane is purple cabbage and green cabbage.

Breast cancer and broccoli
Though broccoli shows anti-cancer property, it has a lot to contribute towards ceasing the development and recurrence of breast cancer among woman. Broccoli exclusively has been studied to understand its effect towards breast cancer. It is found that broccoli has a unique ability to suppress growth & division of cancerous cells and also to some extent promote the death of cancerous stem cells. 

Frequent consumption of broccoli is also known to reduce levels of a particular estrogen metabolite - ‘16alpha-hydroxyestrone’ which is capable of promoting breast cancer in females. Consumption of broccoli by premenopausal women can also contribute to lowering the risk towards breast cancer in later stages of life. However thyroid affected women need to beware as consumption of broccoli interferes with thyroid hormone formation (especially in iodine deficient females).

Breast cancer is a growing concern among woman, hence it is imperative to be aware about the various ways of preventing it. Though broccoli is found to be a good anti-cancer vegetable, complete dependence on such foods is not advised. Frequent evaluation of breasts by self for presence of any lumps and also medical consultation is essential. Also, minimizing or avoiding lifestyle habits such as smoking, that may additionally contribute in provoking the onset of the disease is important. If breast cancer has been running in family, (a close relative such as mother, grandmother, maternal aunts has been affected) genetic counseling is advisable as this helps in voiding the chances of being at risk.

A woman is filled with immense strength to meet the demands of her family and professional life. But somewhere she fails to realise that her body demands attention and care too. Tend to its little needs at proper time, so you are fit to meet your vocation’s demands.

For more information, kindly visit Thyrocare's partner, which provides the diagnostic imaging, Nueclear.  http://www.nueclear.com/