Breast cancer, being told that you have such a serious disease has to be a life changing point in a woman’s life. No one can prepare for bad news of this caliber. Even with advances in treatment, support systems, and recovery statistics, fear of the unknown is pervasive. Fear of the side effects of radiation therapy and chemotherapy can cause your stress level to rise substantially. It is a natural response to a serious situation.

Extensive research has revealed that the various ways people respond to their cancer have a direct effect on the course and intensity of the disease. Additional research has shown that intense negative emotions over time can impede the body’s ability to fight disease.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that short-term stress can be a good thing because it stimulates the fight or flight response. Often the jolt of a serious diagnosis prompts some people to take a proactive stance toward the new and challenging situation. This positive attitude often gives them the energy to do whatever it takes to defeat this cancerous enemy.

We must also be aware of the consequences of a negative attitude. If one is consumed with fear, negative thoughts and attitudes, the results will be a less efficient immune system and vulnerable to aggressive cancer attack. Physicians who practice a holistic approach to breast cancer agree that mind-body approaches such as meditation, yoga, and Qi Gong can relax the mind, reduce stress, and make it easier for patients to cope with the of the problems in question.

Chemicals produced by long-term stress shorten the telomeres found at the ends of chromosomes. Telomeres are the end caps that keep our DNA from unraveling, thus preserving its strength and preventing damage that can ultimately lead to chronic disease. Cells with shortened telomeres tend to age prematurely. This premature aging process poses a potential risk for the development of new cancers. Stress, a pessimistic attitude, negative thoughts, and a negative attitude can take a toll on your immune system by severely damaging and often destroying critical immune cells. This, believe it or not, can cause the cancer to intensify. Some research clearly indicates that cancer risk is increased in women who experience long periods of stress.

Stress reduction is of paramount importance in the fight against cancer. A good way to combat depression, fear, anxiety, and other stressful states of mind is to practice meditation regularly. All it takes is a few minutes of your time to sit quietly, focusing on deep, slow breathing to decrease the intensity of stress-related hormones. Numerous studies have shown that meditation can significantly boost immune function, reduce pain, and improve quality of life.

There are additional mental and physical methods to reduce stress and improve immune function. They are called moving meditation because they combine deep mental concentration with slow, methodical movement. Examples of moving meditation are Tai Chi and Qi gong, where the emphasis is on deep, methodical breathing that helps correlate the connection with the mind and body to facilitate greater healing capacity.

Never underestimate the healing power of joy. It can be your best friend and cancer’s worst enemy. Doing something you really enjoy will significantly reduce your stress. Take a relaxing walk in nature, hug a baby, laugh, interact with family and friends. All those types of activities will improve your mental state which will strengthen your immune system.

We now know about the strong connection between our state of mind and this insidious disease called cancer. There is also a strong connection between our eating habits and cancer. You’ve probably heard this in the past, but it can’t be repeated. And that’s to avoid grain-fed red meat, fried foods, and sugar. All three of these elements have been shown to increase the risk of cancer. Sugar fuels inflammation and stimulates tumor growth. Try to cut back on white stuff and get in the habit of reading food labels because that’s where much of your sugar comes from.

Raw organic fruits and vegetables, on the other hand, provide a wealth of antioxidants that help neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals. Raw organic fruits and vegetables contain high concentrations of phytochemicals that are key players in the fight against cancer.

Broccoli, cauliflower, and kale are extremely beneficial because they contain ingredients that promote breast health by helping to balance a woman’s hormones. One ingredient that is especially helpful is DIM, which is produced naturally in the body when broccoli, kale, and cauliflower are digested. Once DIM is exposed inside the body, it helps reduce inflammation, strengthens the immune system, and ultimately fights off invading cancer cells.

The types of food we eat play an important role in our fight against breast cancer, any type of cancer really. But let’s not forget the role that supplements play in this fight. In numerous documented cases, supplements have shown great success in fighting breast cancer, even in aggressive cases.

Some of the key supplements in this fight are modified citrus pectin (MCP), beta-glucan, maitake mushroom, turmeric, Chinese skullcap, astragalus, quercetin, and DIM. They all have a variety of cancer-fighting attributes. But there is one attribute that they all have in common, and that is that they all strengthen your immune system.

We now know that the most successful method of fighting breast cancer is to combine a positive mental approach with a healthy organic diet and key supplements. I am sure you are aware that there are no guarantees in life, but your chances of success will be greatly increased if you apply these methods.