Page 49 - Tracy Anderson Magazine - Fall 2021

pandemic. We know that early lin and insulin-like growth fac-
diagnosis is key to survival—five- tor-I (IGF-I) have been linked to
year survival of breast cancer breast cancer risk. Additionally,
diagnosed early is 99 percent. It excess fatty tissue causes inflam-
is absolutely critical that women mation that increases breast
return to being screened, espe- cancer risk. Exercise has been
cially if they missed their annual shown to reduce both IGF-I and
appointment last year. inflammation. Even moderate
exercise like brisk walking has
SCREENING been shown to reduce risk, so
When should women start it’s important to do a little some-
getting screened and what are thing to get moving every day.
their screening options?
Typically, annual screenings What are evidence-based rec-
begin at the age of 40—though ommendations for reducing
recommendations vary. When breast cancer risk?
to get screened should be a per- Remember: There is no exact
sonal discussion with your doc- formula for prevention, but
tor, considering lifestyle factors overall wellness is key to reduc-
and family history. If your an- ing risk.
nual screening appointment was 1. Maintain a healthy diet that’s
cancelled during the pandemic, rich in plants, vegetables,
don’t forget to reschedule it. By Dorraya El-Ashry, Ph.D. grains, and legumes and low
and large, it is safe to go to the in processed foods.
doctor or a hospital as long as you wear a mask and practice 2. Exercise regularly—do something to get your body
social distancing from other patients. You don’t want to de- moving every day.
lay a diagnosis of breast cancer. The whole benefit to screen- 3. Avoid excessive alcohol and smoking.
ing is early detection. 4. Sleep well and manage chronic stress.
For now, 2D or 3D mammograms are the best tool we have 5. Know your family history of disease—from both your
for screening. If your doctor informs you that you have dense mother’s and your father’s side.
breasts, which about 40 percent of women over the age of 6. Talk to your doctor if you’re taking hormonal med-
40 have, then you may also be asked to get a whole breast ication such as postmenopausal hormone replace-
ultrasound or MRI. ment therapy. ■

What’s the latest research on screening technology? GET INVOLVED
BCRF researchers are working on new technology to help To make a donation to BCRF in honor of Move to Cure, please visit
early detection by improving accuracy and reducing false give.bcrf.org/movetocure.
positives. One study is investigating contrast-enhanced spec-
tral mammography, which has the potential to greatly im- Dorraya El-Ashry, PhD, joined the Breast Cancer Research Foun-
prove early detection for women with dense breasts. We’re dation as Chief Scientific Officer in 2018. Dr. El-Ashry leads
also making progress in using artificial intelligence and ma- BCRF’s research program and identifies how the Foundation’s
chine learning to better read mammograms and even pre- role in scientific discoveries translates into real-word impact. She
works with the Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) to
dict future risk of breast cancer.
Shvets Production, Christin Hume PREVENTION gators to work on the most promising and urgent research needs,
set the scientific vision each year, selecting the world’s best investi-
What has research revealed about the link between exer-
managing all scientific aspects of BCRF’s multimillion-dollar
grant portfolio, and serving as a breast cancer expert and spokes-
cise and breast cancer risk?
Prevention is our other biggest challenge—to ultimately
person. Dr. El-Ashry joined BCRF after 30 years as a cancer re-
searcher focused on understanding the underlying biology of met-
eliminate deaths from breast cancer, we need to stop it be-
astatic breast cancer.
fore it even starts. BCRF-funded investigators have found a
direct link between exercise and risk reduction. High insu-

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