This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, the first full-immersion wellness resort in Qatar 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 women can make in their daily lives to help reduce them.
As part of its commitment to fostering holistic health, the resort’s specialists will offer complimentary talks during October, highlighting breast cancer risk factors and the essential lifestyle changes to help mitigate them. These talks will also feature inspiring stories from breast cancer survivors who will discuss their personal journeys. Additionally, 10 percent of proceeds from coffee sales at the resort’s Casuarina Café will be donated to the Qatar Cancer Society.
These awareness insights aim to encourage women to adopt healthier lifestyles as a proactive and effective way to reduce their breast cancer risk. Everyday choices – from the food we consume to the products we use – can significantly impact our overall health. On 9th October, from 14:00–14:30, Zulal Wellness Resort’s Holistic Dietitian and Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Advisor, Nour Hasni, will offer a complimentary talk for public (Complimentary Talk), discussing how environmental factors and lifestyle choices (epigenetics) play a crucial role in breast cancer risk, alongside inherited genetics (genomics).
Epigenetics, where external influences can activate or suppress certain genes, play a vital role in each individual’s health. Helping them 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, and seeds (for example, 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, may lower the risk of breast cancer, and support overall well-being.
- Personal hygiene and clothing. Clothing 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 provides 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, House of Wisdom. On 16 October, from 10:30 to 12:00, 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. Additionally, the resort’s Health & Wellness advisors will cover genomics, how Zulal Wellness Resort supports both pre- and post-cancer care, essential lifestyle changes, and tips for maintaining a healthy life. Following the talk, guests are invited to enjoy complimentary lunch at Aizoon, the resort’s all-day dining restaurant. The Qatar Cancer Society has also prepared an informative guide on self-examination, which will be available at House of Wisdom until the end of 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.