In October We Wear Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness

In October We Wear Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Most of us have been touched by cancer in some way, whether yourself or a loved one has been affected, a cancer diagnosis can be a devastating battle. To all those in our Hamama community who have been touched by cancer, we stand with you.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness in fighting this disease. Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women2 and less than one percent of men9 in the United States.

“In 2020, an estimated 276,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S. as well as 48,530 new cases on non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.”

- National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.

5 Important Facts About Breast Cancer

  1. Breast cancer is the most common cancer for women across the world according to the World Health Organization1.
  2. An estimated 42,170 women2 will die from cancer in the U.S. this year.
  3. 1 in 8 women2 in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.
  4. There are over 3.5 million breast cancer survivors2 in the United States
  5. Every 2 minutes2 a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States.

Cancer and Microgreens

Studies around a specific compound, called sulforaphane, which is found in certain microgreens, has been shown to reduce the risk of common cancers3. Microgreens in the Brassicaceae family contain compounds that may protect against cancer.4 Brassica5 vegetables are also known as cruciferous - such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, and mustard plants. Brassica greens have been associated with a reduced risk of breast3 and other cancers. Sulforaphane was shown to have some anticancer effects6 against prostate, breast, and urinary cancers in preclinical studies, but more research is still needed in this area. Sprouted broccoli seeds were shown to have an abundance of this compound7.

A 2012 study8 conducted by the University of Maryland and the United States Department of Agriculture looked at 25 different kinds of microgreens. The results were that they found 4 to 40 times higher amounts of beneficial nutrients in microgreens - including cruciferous veggies - when compared to mature plants. For example, red cabbage microgreens had 40 times more vitamin E and six times more ascorbic acid than regular cabbage.

We look forward to more in-depth studies on how microgreens can play a significant role in contributing to health and wellness in all areas and encourage you to explore the scientific literature! 

Breast Cancer Support and Resources

Easily Grow Your Own Greens

Interested in growing your own broccoli, cabbage and other delicious & nutritious microgreens? Get your Hamama Starter Kit and begin your journey of growing fresh, healthy homegrown greens.

Sources

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