Natural Strategies for Breast Cancer Prevention
I recall many years ago meeting my first breast cancer patient. She had been recently diagnosed with an extremely rare and aggressive form that did not respond for very long to most treatments tried. I worked with her for about two years, but unfortunately, she succumbed to the disease. Her oncologist had given her only a few months to live, so we were very pleased with the additional time she got to spend with her loved ones. Though I would have much preferred to see a radical lifelong remission. Since that time, I have seen thousands of cases of breast cancer and have come to recognize what tends to work for treatments better than others.
Breast cancer is the most common female cancer (outside of skin cancer) in the US. It accounts for 30% of all female cancer cases diagnosed each year, and there is a 1 in 8 chance that a female will be diagnosed with it. Interestingly, the rates of breast cancer have been going up every year, but deaths from breast cancer have been decreasing. The chances of having a breast cancer diagnosis before the age of 45 are pretty small, and the median age of diagnosis is 62 years old.
Although the chances are much higher that you will never develop breast cancer, I am often asked what things my female patients can do to diminish the chances of ever developing this disease. This is a tough question because the data is so limited for long-term retrospective analyses. Firstly, let's start with a different question. Why does breast cancer incidence go up as we age? As we age, our cells generally become less healthy. We start to accumulate more genetic mistakes and our ability to fix those errors diminishes. This creates a perfect environment for cancer to occur and survive.
With that in mind, we can understand that the healthier we are, the less likely we are to develop cancer. In other words, if we can slow the progression of cellular senescence (aging), we can prevent the onset of most cancer types, including breast cancer. However, there are those who still have an elevated risk even at a younger age. Thus, in this population, there is an emphasized importance in both slowing the aging process and undergoing proper testing to determine the risk level, followed by appropriate treatment and surveillance based on testing.
This being said, there are five tried and true approaches that I have seen make a big difference to people's overall health, ultimately lowering the risk of developing the disease.
Breast Cancer Prevention Tip #1: Healthy Diet and Nutrition
One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of breast cancer is through diet and nutrition. Numerous studies have shown that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce cancer risk. For instance, consuming a variety of antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, can help protect cells from damage. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and flaxseeds, have also been shown to reduce inflammation and potentially lower cancer risk. Additionally, limiting the intake of processed foods, red meats, and sugary beverages can contribute to better overall health and lower the risk of cancer.
Breast Cancer Prevention Tip #2: Regular Exercise
Physical activity is another critical factor in cancer prevention. Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, reduces inflammation, and boosts the immune system. The American Cancer Society recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week for adults. Activities such as walking, running, swimming, and cycling can all be beneficial. Studies have shown that physically active women have a lower risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who are less active.
Breast Cancer Prevention Tip #3: Avoiding Alcohol and Tobacco
Alcohol and tobacco use are well-known risk factors for many types of cancer, including breast cancer. Limiting alcohol consumption to no more than one drink per day for women and avoiding tobacco products altogether can significantly reduce cancer risk. Alcohol can increase estrogen levels in the body, which may contribute to the development of breast cancer. Tobacco contains numerous carcinogens that can damage DNA and lead to cancerous changes in cells.
Breast Cancer Prevention Tip #4: Regular Screenings and Self-Examinations
Regular screenings and self-examinations are crucial for early detection and successful treatment of breast cancer. Mammograms, which are X-ray images of the breast, can detect tumors that are too small to be felt. The American Cancer Society recommends that women with an average risk of breast cancer start annual mammograms at age 45 and transition to biennial screenings at age 55. Women should also perform monthly breast self-examinations to become familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts, making it easier to detect any changes.
Breast Cancer Prevention Tip #5: Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for reducing the risk of breast cancer. Being overweight or obese, especially after menopause, has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Fat tissue produces estrogen, which can promote the growth of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers. By maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise, women can lower their risk of developing breast cancer.
While breast cancer remains a significant health concern, adopting a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of developing the disease. A combination of a nutritious diet, regular exercise, avoiding harmful substances, regular screenings, and maintaining a healthy weight can all contribute to better overall health and a lower likelihood of breast cancer. As research continues to advance, it is essential to stay informed about new findings and recommendations for cancer prevention.
The Importance of Genetic Testing and Personalized Medicine
In addition to the general prevention strategies mentioned above, genetic testing and personalized medicine are becoming increasingly important in the fight against breast cancer. Genetic testing can identify individuals who carry mutations in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which significantly increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Women with these genetic mutations can benefit from more intensive surveillance, preventive surgeries, or chemoprevention strategies.
Personalized medicine, which tailors treatment based on an individual's genetic makeup, is also making headway in breast cancer care. By analyzing the genetic profile of a tumor, one can determine the most effective treatment options for each patient, potentially improving outcomes and reducing side effects. For example, hormone receptor-positive breast cancers may respond well to hormone therapy, while HER2-positive cancers may be treated with targeted therapies like trastuzumab (Herceptin).
The Role of Mental Health in Cancer Prevention and Treatment
Mental health is another critical aspect of cancer prevention and treatment. Stress, anxiety, and depression can negatively impact the immune system and overall health, potentially increasing the risk of cancer and affecting the outcomes of treatment. Engaging in activities that promote mental well-being, such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, and social support, can help reduce stress and improve quality of life for individuals at risk of or diagnosed with breast cancer. A holistic approach to cancer care that addresses both physical and mental health can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life for patients.
Advances in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment
Ongoing research continues to improve our understanding of breast cancer and develop more effective treatments. Recent advancements include the development of immunotherapies that harness the body's immune system to fight cancer and the use of liquid biopsies to detect cancer DNA in the blood, allowing for earlier detection and monitoring of treatment response.
Clinical trials are also exploring new drug combinations, targeted therapies, and treatment regimens that may offer better outcomes for breast cancer patients. Participation in clinical trials can provide patients with access to cutting-edge treatments and contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge.
Conclusion
Breast cancer prevention and treatment have come a long way, but there is still much work to be done. By adopting healthy lifestyle practices, staying informed about new research and recommendations, and supporting ongoing advancements in cancer care, we can continue to make progress in the fight against breast cancer. Whether through diet, exercise, regular screenings, genetic testing, or mental health support, every effort counts in reducing the risk and improving the outcomes for those affected by this disease.
The Mederi Center approach to breast cancer emphasizes comprehensive individualized treatment with an ongoing focus on prevention and health optimization. To schedule a new patient appointment, please call Mederi Center at 541-488-3133. I would be honored to support you or your loved one with our effective Mederi Care approach to integrative cancer care.
Join the Mederi Center community by signing up for our email list! We send several emails a month with product promotions for patients, practical tips for healthy living, blogs written by our practitioners, information about events, and other news. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Works Consulted
- American Cancer Society
- Childs, Bennett G., et al. Cellular senescence in aging and age-related disease: from mechanisms to therapy. Nature Medicine 21.12 (2015): 1424-1435.
- Rattan, Suresh IS. Anti-ageing strategies: prevention or therapy? Slowing ageing from within. EMBO Reports 6.S1 (2005): S25-S29.
- Patterson, Ruth E., et al. Dietary patterns and breast cancer risk in the California Teachers Study cohort. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 86.5 (2007): 1305-1313.
- Boffetta, Paolo, et al. Physical activity and breast cancer risk: the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition. Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Biomarkers 16.1 (2007): 36-42.
- Smith, Rachel A., et al. Cancer screening in the United States, 2019: A review of current American Cancer Society guidelines and current issues in cancer screening. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians 69.3 (2019): 184-210.
- Mavaddat, Nasim, et al. Risk prediction of breast cancer based on common genetic variants: a case-control study. Breast Cancer Research 12.2 (2010): R1.
- Goldhirsch, Aron, et al. Personalizing the treatment of women with early breast cancer: highlights of the St Gallen International Expert Consensus on the Primary Therapy of Early Breast Cancer 2013. Annals of Oncology 24.9 (2013): 2206-2223.
- Spiegel, David, et al. Effects of psychosocial treatment in prolonging cancer survival may be mediated by neuroimmune pathways. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 840.1 (1998): 674-683.
- Zhang, Bo, and Xiaoyan Hu. Immunotherapy for breast cancer: current advances and future perspectives. Therapeutic Advances in Medical Oncology 12 (2020): 1758835920936168.
Meet Dr. Michael Hummel!
Dr. Michael Hummel is a board-certified Naturopathic Physician providing comprehensive care with an emphasis on natural therapies, to include general medicine and primary care, as well as specialization in integrative oncology and chronic infectious disease (including Lyme disease). He has further areas of focus in bioidentical hormone therapies, botanical medicine, nutrition, family medicine, healthy aging, and naturopathic adjustments/physical medicine.
Dr. Hummel received training in both modern allopathic medicine and chiropractic medicine before earning his medical degree from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine. Prior to coming to Mederi Center, Dr. Hummel conducted his practice out of Envita Medical Center in Arizona, where he specialized in integrative oncology and chronic infectious disease. He blends naturopathic medicine with our Mederi Care methodology in his clinical work with patients.
