Secrets for Reducing Your Breast Cancer Risk

Combine the fuzzy numbers ("X" reduces your cancer risk by 35%, "Y" increases it by 72%, etc.) with the ever-changing fickleness of medical information on questions related to genetics, hormone replacement therapy, early breast cancer tests, the now-somewhat-controversial mammogram, dietary factors, and chemical and environmental cancer-causing agents (the World Health Organization suggests that up to 80% of all cancers fall into the last category), and it's no wonder that women are confused. Until there's a cure (breast cancer is the leading overall cause of death from cancer in women between the ages of 20-50), however, we will continue to sift through the often-contradictory information regarding this deadly disease. In Secrets for Reducing Your Breast Cancer Risks, Dr. Edward Conley, speaking before a small group of primarily women, offers lots of practical advice and cautions. For instance, testing EQ (estrogen quotient) can help determine cancer risks by measuring and evaluating ratios of various estrogen metabolites. In addition, food addictives, chemicals, pesticides, and repeated usage of antibiotics can increase the likelihood of cancer, while exercise, quitting smoking, and eating a healthy diet of organic food--especially fruits and vegetables containing powerful antioxidants--will not only reduce the chances of cancer, but also those of other debilitating and potentially fatal health conditions. On the other hand, some of Conley's "secrets" (a rather irritating term, as we're talking about life and death not buying a used car) are the subject of contradictory opinions in the medical community; new studies, for instance, indicate that diets containing phytoestrogens (such as soy and other plant-derived foods that have compounds that act similar to estrogen) do not justify claims of a protective effect. Of course, this is a problem inherent in published--print or video--medical material, as up-to-date information (although not necessarily true) is literally just a click away on the Internet. Overall, however, this is still a good, inexpensive choice that features a wealth of generally-accepted information. DVD extras include five more “secrets” about the protective qualities of green teas and curry, and ways to improve your immune system. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (N. Plympton)