 Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer deaths among women and those assigned female at birth. Generally, 1 out of 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States, with risks increasing as you grow older.1 With these alarming statistics, it is important to remember that the most powerful tool to fight against breast cancer is prevention. Taking action following a holistic approach that involves making conscious decisions about your lifestyle and nutrition, coupled with regular screening, reduces your risks and fosters your long-term health! Understanding Breast CancerCancers, like that of the breast, begin with the mutation of a single cell leading to uncontrolled and unregulated growth and proliferation. This mutation allows the cell to avoid regulated destruction, divide without limits, create its own blood supply to keep itself nurtured, and travel to other areas in the body to cause more harm.2 The development of breast cancer typically extends over years, involving discrete and subtle changes that can lead to imbalances in your body, eventually showing up through a variety of signs and symptoms. Breast cancer mutations typically arise from breast ducts or milk-producing glands.  Risk FactorsMultiple factors play a role in the development of breast cancer. Some cannot be avoided, but most can be alleviated and reduced. Growing older means increasing your risk of breast cancer. While most breast cancer cases affect women, men are not exempted from having a breast cancer diagnosis!1 Your susceptibility increases when you have BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. In theory, having first-degree relatives (parents and siblings) diagnosed with breast cancer increases your risk of developing the disease 2 to 3 times!1 Getting exposed to high levels of estrogen additionally increases your risks of developing breast cancer, especially when you are taking birth control pills during your reproductive years or as a way of maintaining hormone levels too soon or for too long after menopause.1 Other factors which can aggravate your risks include exposure to toxic levels of radiation, excessive alcohol intake, and environmental triggers. Signs and SymptomsBreast cancer, during its early stages, may present without symptoms. However, with progression, a lump that increases in size may be palpated (felt by examination). Advanced disease may involve nearby organs or bones and present with a combination of symptoms that will inevitably affect your optimal well-being. Treatment OptionsBreast cancer is a disease that affects both the patient and their loved ones. Just like any other health problem, cure is the ultimate goal. However, it is important to understand that not all allopathic and natural treatments for breast cancer are safe, and careful considerations should be made to find the best options for the patient. The naturopathic integrative approach for breast cancer treatment is made with naturopathic oncologists (FABNO), expert naturopathic doctors in the field of cancer care, along with the allopathic oncology team. A combination of conventional and naturopathic therapies can help boost the treatment efficacy, manage or prevent cancer treatment side effects, recover from cancer treatment, and prevent recurrence.  The Power of PreventionThe most important step in preventing breast cancer is by seeking regular medical care and listening to your body. Undergoing regular screening when you are at increased risk of developing breast cancer will not only increase your chances of diagnosing the disease during its early stages, but also allow you to explore effective and holistic options that will lessen its burden altogether. Aside from physical examination, mammography or ultrasound are performed to screen and diagnose by identifying tumors, distortions, or calcium deposits in the breast.1 However, mammography may not be useful in people who are younger or cannot tolerate the procedure. Talking with your integrative care team in exploring the best preventive strategies for your case and preference will help guide you in making conscious and proactive decisions for your health. Another diagnostic imaging method to consider is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is proven to be the most sensitive among all other modalities.1 This procedure may be beneficial for when you have increased risk of developing breast cancer due to genetic predisposition.1 We understand that you may have concerns with the possibility of exposing yourself to high amounts of radiation that can potentially increase your risk of breast cancer, doing more harm than good. Not to worry! The radiation dose used for imaging studies are minimal and highly regulated to prevent detrimental health effects. And, MRIs and ultrasounds do not use ionizing radiation at all. All of these studies are developed to be your allies, promoting the recognition of disease conditions, and paving the way for discovering the best options for your health. The Naturopathic ApproachRather than conquering the disease during its progression, preventing its actual development is the single best gift you can give to yourself and your loved ones. Cancer prevention begins with your decision to take care of your health. This can be as simple as wisely and intuitively choosing the best foods for your optimal health, exercising regularly, avoiding stressors, getting quality sleep every night, drinking less alcohol, stopping smoking, and maintaining your body’s natural balance. Simply put, nutrition and lifestyle changes coupled with regular screening are simple acts you can do to maintain the optimal health of your future self. Discover the naturopathic approach to nurturing your optimal health today! AuthorKate Nemenzo studied in nursing school as an academic scholar. Her passion for holistic health has led her to become a registered nurse who promotes optimal care throughout her patient’s therapeutic journey. When not writing, she spends her time crocheting, watching Korean dramas, and playing the guitar! REFERENCES:
1. Menon G, Alkabban FM, Ferguson T. Breast Cancer. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; February 25, 2024. 2. Łukasiewicz S, Czeczelewski M, Forma A, Baj J, Sitarz R, Stanisławek A. Breast Cancer-Epidemiology, Risk Factors, Classification, Prognostic Markers, and Current Treatment Strategies-An Updated Review. Cancers (Basel). 2021;13(17):4287. Published 2021 Aug 25. doi:10.3390/cancers13174287 Comments are closed.
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THE BLOG AT NATURAL PATH TO WELLNESSAuthorSNatural Path to Wellness values community education and welcomes contributions from writers with a background in Naturopathic Medicine, natural health and wellness, herbalism, homeopathy, Nature Cure, and more. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
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