Breast Health

The statistics are grim. In 2003, according to the American Cancer Society, 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and approximately 46,000 women will die from it. In 1974, when Nixon declared war on cancer, a woman’s lifetime chance of getting breast cancer was 1-in-20. Today her chances are 1-in-4. 

The statistics are staggering considering the hundreds of millions of dollars spent fighting the disease. In fact, since the "war" was declared, more women have died of breast cancer in the United States than the total number of American military members who lost their lives in World Wars I and II, the Korean conflict, and the war in Vietnam combined. Clearly, the allopathic community is losing the "war."

The facts, however, are much more encouraging and, as always, education is our best defense. Did you know that only 5% of all breast cancers are genetic? The good news is that even genetic predisposition does not mean that you will develop breast cancer. Most of us have precancerous cells in our bodies, but a healthy immune system will get rid of them. Ninety-five percent of the cancers are promoted environmentally and, thus, most risk factors are within a woman’s control. Current theory is that cancer cells develop from these "promotions."

Take control. Get to know your body and your breasts by forming a friendship with them. Initially, examine them daily until you become totally familiar with them; pay attention to the way the skin and tissue underneath feels, and notice the subtle changes in your breasts throughout the month. Between ovulation and menstruation many women find that the size of their breasts change as much as a cup size as hormone levels rise. Some find that their nipples become more sensitive. Moderate changes are normal, but for instance, if nipple sensitivity reaches the painful level, estrogen dominance is indicated. Perhaps your body is not processing estrogen properly. Once you are familiar with your breasts, examine them once a month, sometime between ovulation and the beginning of menstruation.

This will dispel many fears you may have. Fear is the opposite of what is needed to create and maintain health. We’ve all heard "you are what you eat." In much the same way, you are what you think." Think health. Think health. Think health. You have ultimate control over most factors associated with how long and how well you’ll live.

One of the first things you can do is reach for cruciferous vegetables -broccoli, kale, cabbage, brussel sprouts. These wonderful veggies contain a phyto-chemical known as indole-3-carbinol that changes the way your body metabolizes estrogen to prevent cancers. Next, reach for soy products. Soy is a phyto-estrogen that actually binds to estrogen receptor sites, thus preventing carcinogenic estrogen from entering cells. It also contains five anti-cancer agents.

Cultures with diets high in soy products tend to have a much lower incidence of breast cancer. However, these same cultures show an increased incidence of endometriosis and fibroids due to increased estrogen levels. Although the estrogen in these cultures is derived from soy products, it still impacts negatively when overdone. So be sensible in your use of soy: some is good, but more is not better.

Regular exercise also changes estrogen processing, serotonin and dopamine levels, and self-concept. Exercise works for you on several important levels.  Most are aware that women athletes often lose their periods.  That, of course, is not desirable or healthy.  The point is that exercise can be one of your greatest tools in lowering high estrogen levels.

Next, ease up on sweets. Studies show a link between high sugar consumption and breast cancer. (S. Seely, "Diet and Breast Cancer: The Possible Connection with Sugar Consumption," Medical Hypothesis, 1983; M. Lender et al., "Diabetes and Breast Cancer," Lancet Journal, May 21, 1977.) As an added bonus you’ll lose unwanted weight and cut your risk of developing Type-II diabetes.

Two of the most important lifestyle components are well known to members of Life:

(1) Consume certified organic produce when possible.

(2) Eliminate or limit consumption of commercial animal protein. Commercial husbanders routinely implant estradiol pellets [one of the most carcinogenic of the three estrogens] under the animal’s skin. This brings them to market weight faster, with less care and feed, thus, increasing profits. [For this same reason, be wary of hormone replacement prescribed by many doctors.] To increase profits, commercial farmers also spray crops with pesticides which tend to act as estrogens in the body and concentrate in breast (and other) tissues.

Nutritional supplements can further decrease risks of all cancers. RDA's can be compared to minimum wage. Nobody envisions minimum health as their pinnacle of success or their goal, so be good to yourself with vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants. In this world, we need them for a good life and optimum health.

No article on breast health would be complete without addressing mammograms. Many experts recommend them periodically in an effort to detect abnormalities; other experts think that the radiographics and compression required for successful mammograms are invasive, and, potentially harmful to the breast. Each woman must make an informed decision based on available information and the recommendation of her health care practitioner. How to Prevent Breast Cancer and Its Recurrence, by Ross Pelton, Taffy Clarke Pelton, and Vinton C. Vint; and The Estrogen Alternative, by Raquel Martin and Judi Gerstung, DC, will provide the necessary information in making this decision.

Marcia Jones, National Director of the Dixie PMS & Menopause Center, networks with holistic healthcare providers across the country and internationally. 

E-mail her for more information: jones@tidesoflife.com