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"Oops, my chest always hurts faintly these days, I thought it was because the air conditioning in the office was too much!" Li Na half-jokingly posted such a status in the circle of friends.
She is a busy bank clerk who is immersed in numbers and documents every day, almost neglecting to pay attention to her body. Li Na, 47, has always considered herself a healthy workaholic. Her life is simple and repetitive, going to work, working overtime, coming home, and rarely having time to care about the tiny signals of her body.
Until recently, she began to notice the occasional discomfort in her breasts, but always thought it was just normal muscle fatigue or unsuitable underwear.
One day, the discomfort became intense, and Li Na couldn't ignore it. She decided to go to the hospital for a comprehensive check-up, and the result was something she never expected: early breast cancer. The doctor told her that the treatment would have been easier if it had been detected earlier. Li Na couldn't stop crying, she regretted not paying attention to her body earlier.
Once treatment began, she began researching breast cancer and its prevention, and exchanged experiences with other patients in between treatments. In the process, she learned a little-known, but very important, idea: light pollution in the environment may be linked to the incidence of breast cancer.
Dr. Zhang, a doctor who specializes in the relationship between chronic diseases and environmental factors, introduced his research to Li: "Light pollution is ubiquitous in modern life, especially artificial light at night. Excessive nighttime light exposure can interfere with the body's biological clock, which in turn affects melatonin production. ”
Li Na was inspired to start making changes to her habits, including using blackout curtains to ensure a nighttime sleeping environment and minimising the amount of time she spent using bright light electronics at night. She also shares this knowledge in the community and hopes to help more people become aware of it.
She asked Dr. Zhang, "Dr. Zhang, I am now working every day to reduce the effects of light pollution, do you think this will help me in my recovery?"
Dr. Zhang replied affirmatively, "Li Na, your change is very helpful. While we can't fully prove a direct link between light pollution and breast cancer, reducing light pollution and improving sleep quality are beneficial to overall health. Consistent good habits will play a very positive role in your healing process. ”
On her path to recovery, Li Na began to gain insight into the various lifestyle factors associated with breast cancer. She notes that diet is also an important factor.
"Excessive intake of high-fat foods, especially those of animal origin, is directly linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Eating foods rich in fiber can effectively reduce this risk.
He also mentions the important role of antioxidants in preventing breast cancer: "Antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E and β-carotene neutralize free radicals in the body, which are one of the main causes of cell mutations and cancer. Consuming these in moderation can reduce the risk of breast cancer. ”
Li Na followed Dr. Zhang's advice and adjusted her diet to ensure that she consumed enough fruits and vegetables every day and reduced her intake of red meat and high-fat foods.
A few months later, Li Na's health improved significantly. Her weight gradually dropped to a healthy range, and the results of the physical examination showed positive changes.
At the next follow-up visit, Li Na asked Dr. Zhang with curiosity, "Dr. Zhang, I have adjusted my lifestyle according to your advice, including diet and exercise. I wonder if these changes will really help me prevent breast cancer recurrence in the long term."
Dr. Zhang nodded with satisfaction and replied, "Li Na, your lifestyle change is very positive. While there is no 100% way to prevent breast cancer recurrence, a healthy diet and regular physical activity are scientifically proven to greatly reduce the risk of recurrence. These efforts of yours, along with regular medical monitoring, will greatly increase your likelihood of staying healthy. ”
Li Na is grateful for Dr. Zhang's guidance and support, and she has decided to continue these healthy habits and actively share her experience in the community to help more people realize the importance of a healthy lifestyle. These changes have given her a new vitality and optimism for the future.
What do you think about breast cancer?