Everyday risk identification, healthy tips, lifestyle changes, and complimentary awareness talks to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month

08 October 2024 — This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, Qatar’s first full-immersion wellness destination and the largest in the Middle East, is sharing insights on the significant role lifestyle and environmental factors can play in breast cancer risks and sharing practical changes individuals can make in their daily lives to help reduce these risks.

As part of its commitment to promoting holistic health, the resort’s specialists will offer complimentary talks during October, focusing on breast cancer risks and key lifestyle changes to help lower them. These sessions will also include inspiring stories from breast cancer survivors sharing their personal experiences. Additionally, 10 percent of proceeds from coffee sales at the resort’s Casuarina Café will be donated to the Qatar Cancer Society.

These awareness initiatives aim to inspire individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles as a proactive and effective approach to reducing breast cancer risk. Everyday choices—ranging from the food we eat to the products we use—can have a significant impact on overall health.

On 9 October, from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm, Zulal Wellness Resort’s Holistic Dietitian and Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Advisor, Nour Hasni, will deliver a complimentary public talk. The session will explore how environmental factors and lifestyle choices (epigenetics), in addition to inherited genetics (genomics), play a critical role in breast cancer risk.

Epigenetics, where external influences can activate or suppress certain genes, play a vital role in each individual’s health. Helping individuals to understand this further, Zulal Wellness Resort is sharing some of the key everyday lifestyle and environmental hormonal-disruptors that are linked to breast cancer - and the mindful adjustments that can be adopted to effectively lower the risk of developing breast cancer - including:

Chemical exposure in beauty and hygiene products: Common makeup and personal care products often contain harmful chemicals like parabens, synthetic oestrogens, and endocrine disruptors. Hasni recommends choosing only natural products with simple, minimal ingredient lists and exploring natural alternatives like essential oils where possible.

Plastics and household toxins: Chemicals such as BPA and phthalates, often found in plastic water bottles and household items, can be absorbed by the body and are difficult to eliminate. They not only elevate the risk of breast cancer but also contribute to cardiovascular issues. Switching to alternatives like glass or stainless steel helps to minimise exposure.

Cookware: Many modern cooking tools, such as aluminium, Teflon, and non-stick cookware, can release toxic heavy metals that the body struggles to process and eventually expel. To mitigate the risks, Hasni advises using stainless steel, glass or clay cookware, the latter of which can also enhance the nutrient profile of food and support overall well-being.

Processed foods and additives: Synthetic food additives, colourings, and seed oils are linked to a range of health concerns. Zulal Wellness Resort advocates for a diet that eliminates processed food, reduces red meat consumption, and focuses on organic, plant-based choices and the use of natural, extra-virgin oils like olive, avocado, or coconut. Increasing the intake of oestrogen-rich foods like grains, nuts, seeds (e.g. flaxseeds, anise, sesame, coriander seeds etc) can support natural regulation of hormone levels.

Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, such as omega-3s, can significantly help reduce inflammation. Diets focused on whole, nutrient-dense foods, can support the reduction of inflammation and may lower the risk of breast cancer, and supports overall wellbeing.

Personal hygiene and clothing: Clothes and undergarments can influence overall health. Hasni suggests opting for breathable fabrics like organic cotton, linen, or wool to reduce the absorption of harmful substances through the skin and avoiding synthetic fabrics which often contain chemicals. Similarly, switching to chemical-free household cleaners and hygiene products will reduce the body’s toxic load.

Stress management and detox: Stress is a significant contributor to poor health, including increased breast cancer risk. Zulal Wellness Resort providing insights on regular stress management techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, and grounding exercises. Hasni recommends grounding techniques — spending 10-15 minutes a day connecting the physical body with the earth— as a simple yet effective way to restore balance in body and mind.

Exercise and movement: Physical activity plays a crucial role in preventing a wide range of illnesses. Zulal Wellness Resort advises incorporating regular exercise, of every intensity level, whether that is strength training or aerobics, as part of a holistic approach to health. Exercise not only boosts immunity but also helps regulate hormones, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce inflammation.

EMF awareness: In today’s technology-driven world, electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure is unavoidable. To mitigate its effects, Hasni suggests placing plants known for absorbing EMF radiation, like cacti and spider plants, near electronic devices, work laptops/desktops and practicing regular 'digital detoxes'.

These topics will also be addressed during the Breast Cancer Awareness Talk at Zulal Wellness Resort’s extensive library and relaxation space, the House of Wisdom. On 16 October, from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm, two breast cancer survivors and members of the Qatar Cancer Society will share their personal stories, discussing their fight against cancer and their journeys to recovery. In addition, the resort’s Health & Wellness advisors will discuss genomics, Zulal Wellness Resort’s approach to pre- and post-cancer care, essential lifestyle changes, and tips for maintaining overall health. After the talk, guests are invited to enjoy a complimentary lunch at Aizoon, the resort’s all-day dining restaurant. The Qatar Cancer Society has also prepared an informative guide on self-examination, available at the House of Wisdom throughout October.

Zulal Wellness Resort believes that prevention is the best medicine. Through regular self-examination and informed lifestyle changes to reduce exposure to harmful environmental factors, people can take proactive steps to protect their health and lower the risk of diseases such as breast cancer.*