Seventh-day Adventist® Church

Every October, people all over the world show their support for persons affected by breast
cancer. On Sunday October 2, 2022, thousands of Barbadians got the opportunity to participate
in the FirstCaribbean’s Walk For the Cure cancer awareness drive for the first time since 2019.
Some risk factors for cancer such as family history can’t be changed. However, there are some
lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk.

Here are a few tips:

- Limit alcohol consumption
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Be physically active
- Breast-feed
- Limit postmenopausal hormone therapy

Can a healthy diet prevent breast cancer?

Eating healthy might decrease your risk of some cancers. Studies have shown that women who
eat a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil and mixed nuts have a
reduced risk of breast cancer. The Mediterranean diet focuses on plant-based foods, such as
fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts. It also includes healthier fats such as
olive oil over butter and fish rather than other meats.

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, maintain a positive attitude as difficult as it may
seem. Patients with positive attitudes are better able to cope with disease-related problems
and may respond better to therapy. There is hope in Jesus. Hope keeps one alive to fight for
another day, a month, a year and a return to better health. Without hope, there is little to live
for. All is not lost. Trust God.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may
overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15: 13