Breast Cancer Prev

Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment with Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine addresses breast cancer in the following ways:

* Prevention of breast cancer.

* Complimentary treatment with conventional treatment.

* Promotes rapid healing before and after breast conservation surgery and mastectomy.

* Minimize the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

* Provide alternatives to estrogen replacement therapy in those women for whom estrogen may be contraindicated.

* Although not well researched, some women choose naturopathic medicine as their only therapy to the exclusion of conventional therapies.

Dr. Chris Booren can assist you with:

* Information about your illness and diagnosis.

* Decision making about your treatment.

* Utilizing naturopathic medicine as part of your treatment plan.

* Referrals to medical doctors and allied health care practitioners.

* Emotional support.

Risk factors for the development of breast cancer include the following:

* Family history: A close family member having breast cancer increases a woman's chance of developing breast cancer by two to three times. This risk is higher if the relative developed the disease before menopause.

* Age: The incidence of breast cancer rises sharply after age 50.

* Early puberty: Menstruation before the age of 12 results in a 20% higher risk of developing breast cancer. This is believed to be due to higher levels of circulating estrogens over a woman's lifetime.

* Late menopause: This is due to the same reason as early puberty.

* Delayed childbearing: Women who have children before the age of 18 have a reduced risk of breast cancer.

* Previous cancer history: A history of other cancers increases the risk of breast cancer.

There are many risk factors for the development of breast cancer. Some of them like family history and age of puberty or menopause are out of our control. Many others are within our control and may decrease your risk of breast cancer.

Nutrition:

There is strong evidence to support the role of a good diet in the prevention of breast cancer. A low saturated fat, high fiber, and high complex carbohydrate diet is well documented in the prevention of cancer in general. Research shows that a diet high in saturated fats and possibly monounsaturated fat is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Studies support an intake of 10 to 15% essential fat is protective, and the protection is greater when a low saturated fat diet is begun at an early age.

Dietary fiber may be important in the prevention of breast cancer. Some breast cancer is estrogen sensitive and fiber may increase the excretion of estrogen in the digestive tract. Vegetarian women have been found to excrete 2-3 times as much estrogen as women who eat meat. Many red meats also contain synthetic hormones including estrogen.

Women who are postmenopausal and overweight have higher levels of breast cancer, probably due to increased levels of estrogen from the adipose tissue. A healthy, low saturated fat, high fiber diet can decrease weight while protecting against breast cancer. High sugar intake is a major risk factor for the development of breast cancer in women over age 45. This may be due to the suppressive effects of sugar on the immune system and may be linked to a decreased intake of complex carbohydrates in the diet.

Alcohol has been implicated in a 40 to 60% increase in the risk of breast cancer, even in moderation. If you would like help with decreasing your alcohol consumption, talk to your naturopathic physician. Vitamin C appears to be deficient in the diets of women who have breast cancer. Vitamin A and beta carotene have been shown to prevent oxidative damage to cells that predispose to cancer.

Hormonal Medications:

Oral contraceptives that have been taken long term and from an early age increase the risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women. Estrogen replacement therapy has been implicated in the development of breast cancer during the time that she is taking ERT. Having a longer reproductive life from age of onset of sense to age of menopause, results in higher estrogen levels for a longer time period and increases the risk of breast cancer. This suggests that artificially increasing estrogen levels may also be a risk factor.

Dr. Chris Booren utilizes the following therapeutic modalities:

Naturopathic medicine uses nutritional counseling, exercise, botanical medicines, homeopathy and hydrotherapy to help the body’s immune response. A very low fat, low sugar, no alcohol, high fiber and complex carbohydrate diet including fresh organic fruits and vegetables is recommended. Therapeutic doses of certain nutrients such as vitamin C, E, B complex, beta carotene, and selenium may be recommended as dietary supplements. Developing an individualized program of mild to moderate exercise can also assist immune stimulation and mental well being. Immune modulating herbs such as Echinacea, Glycerrhiza, Hydrastis, the Hoxsey formula, and Chinese herbs are used. Individual homeopathic prescriptions are used to stimulate the body’s immune response and address mental and emotional wellness in addition to physical illness. Hydrotherapy techniques in the European tradition that detoxify and stimulate the body's natural immunity may also be used.

It is also important to address the mental and emotional aspects of healing. Based on recent research, weekly breast cancer support groups are associated with a better prognosis. Individual counseling for stress reduction and support is also encouraged. Acupressure, visualization, prayer or meditation may be utilized based on individual need and beliefs. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Chris Booren to schedule a free 30 minute consultation