Healthy Living Can Prevent Breast Cancer: Wauwatosa Resources

You might be able to find help fighting breast cancer and other types of cancers at your local grocery store and fitness centers, according to the research findings of Dr. Marian Neuhouser, Ph.D, RD. 

Dr. Neuhouser is a nutritional epidemiologist with a background in nutritional sciences. She is an investigator at Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Her research is focused on lifestyle factors such as nutrition and physical activity. Some factors may prevent breast and prostate cancer and improve survivorship in those diagnosed with cancer.  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year, more than 200,000 American women are diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 American women will die from breast cancer.

Dr. Neuhouser’s research has found that for postmenopausal women in particular, being overweight or obese may increase the risk for breast cancer.

Dr. Neuhouser explains, “After menopause, estrogens are synthesized by adipose tissue—the more adipose a woman has, the more estrogen she will make. Adipose cells also synthesize inflammatory factors, which have been linked to breast cancer.”

One of the most important things a woman at risk for breast cancer can do, says Dr. Neuhouser, is to “maintain a healthy weight."  

Given what the research indicates, Dr. Neuhouser says, “One of the most important things is that if a woman is overweight or obese, she should be advised to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. Daily physical activity and following healthy eating habits with plentiful fruits and vegetables and minimal empty calories and fried foods will help achieve these goals.”

Dr. Neuhouser says while it can be challenging to lose weight, “Small changes can add up and make a big difference."

When it comes to getting active, Dr. Neuhouser says, "If someone is not used to physical activity, try a five to ten minute walk and gradually increase the time. Having physical activity partners or walking partners always helps. I know my soccer team will be waiting for me on the field, so even if I am tired or busy, I still show up."

Places to shape up in Wauwatosa

Tosa has plenty of locations to start your personal fitness program, among them:

• West Suburban YMCA
• Wisconsin Athletic Club
• Cardinal Fitness
• Anytime Fitness
• Fitness Together
• Snap Fitness
• T3 Fitness
• Badger CrossFit
• Xperience Fitness

Yoga can be a start toward continuing wellness

Yoga is touted as a good way to overcome fitness anxiety, get back in touch with your body and find the focus and discipline you need to move farther toward wellness.

Even if you're already fit, yoga can help improve breathing, flexibility and muscle tone, enhancing your exercise regimen and helping avoid injury.

Here are some yoga studios and groups in Wauwatosa:

• Haleybird Studios
• Tosa Yoga!
• Santosh Yoga
• Wauwatosa Yoga Center
• The Anahata Project

Find a group, publicize a group

If you're looking for an exercise, running, biking or yoga group near you, check Wauwatosa Patch Events regularly for listings for meetings or special events that could lead you to like-minded locals.

If you have a fitness group that welcomes new members, you can sign up on Wauwatosa Patch and post free events and announcements to publicize your activities.

Eat right, feel right

When it comes to nutrition, Dr. Neuhouser says, "Start with making one new food change each week. Instead of eating two cookies, eat just one.”

If you are concerned about your weight, Dr. Neuhouser suggests getting the support you need by asking your doctor for “ a referral to a reputable weight loss program.” For nutrition advice, Dr. Neuhouser recommends asking for a referral to a registered dietitian.

Locally, you can find support managing your weight through weight loss programs and registered dieticians, including these:  

• Mary Rader Clinical Dietician
• Relaxation Station
• Langlois Vital Nutrition Center
• The REDI Clinic
• Way of Life Nutritional Consulting and Training

Or, ask your doctor or health care provider to recommend a nutritionist or program for you.