by Gary D. Sandman
Early detection seems to be the one clear prevention statement of breast cancer experts. They agree on the benefits of self-examination, regular breast examinations by a health professional, and periodic mammography. Everything else is still controversial and unproven.
Primary prevention of breast cancer depends on an understanding of the causal factors of the disease -- these causes have proved to be elusive and some theories remain controversial. According to research by Bodenheimer and Grumbach in Understanding Health Policy-A Clinical Approach , "Multiple risk factors for breast cancer have been defined. The most important are age greater than 65 years, a prior diagnosis or a family history of breast cancer, a prior diagnosis of atypical hyperplasia on breast biopsy, and having been born in Northern Europe or North America. Less significant risk factors include obesity, never having had children, age over 30 at first pregnancy, and prior radiation to the thorax. In addition, women with more years of ovulatory menstrual cycles are at greater risk, suggesting a hormonal influence on the disease."
Unfortunately this concept only accounts for one quarter of all breast cancer patients. The lack of evidence to support this theory does not weaken it's use as a repeated argument. Instead it can promote in any woman a diabolical fear and feelings of loss of control for an illness that can attack them mysteriously and without clear reason. Environment doctors theorize that the primary causes of the disease are the increased amount of chemical pathogens released into the environment and into our food and water. New research by the CDC and NIH shows that infinitesimal amounts of certain chemicals can masquerade as natural hormones in the body. They react with the body as a hormone but do not provide the same functions as a true hormone. They disrupt normal system function. It is theorized that one of the dysfunctions could lead to tumor growth in the breast.
An unsettling problem with this issue is that the extremely low parts per million toxicity of these copy cat chemicals are so much lower than any safety standard set by the government for a toxin. The problem expands to the enormous cost and economic realities of removing such a low dosage of the toxin from the environment. These environmental factors - although far from accepted by conventional medicine may prove to be primary causal factors while influences like female hormones, family history and obesity are merely secondary contributors.
Again, in Understanding Health Policy-A Clinical Approach , the authors state, "Another view that has been inadequately studied holds that environmental carcinogens are a possible explanation for the rise in the incidence of breast and other cancers. From the 1940's to the 1980's industrial production of synthetic organic chemicals rose from one billion to 400 billion pounds annually. Estrogens have been used as additives to poultry and cattle feed, and pesticide residues are difficult to remove from agricultural products. In a study of 14,000 women, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer was strongly associated with exposure to organo-chlorine insecticides, especially the principal metabolite of DDT, which remains in the fat for years following exposure."
Congress voted in June of 1993 to fund a study to assess the possible relationship of the environment to breast cancer among concerned Long Island women. The Columbia University School of Public Health Case-Control Study is currently under way to determine whether certain environmental contaminants can increase the risk of breast cancer among women.
The possibility that environmental toxins, dietary fat, and estrogenic additives might be fundamental risk factors suggests that a complementary and alternative medical approach utilizing effective detoxification strategies and related lifestyle modifications might help reduce the incidence of breast cancer.
The body continually eliminates toxins through an elaborate system that involves the lungs, liver and kidneys. Women can significantly reduce their risk of breast cancer and other chronic diseases by pursuing a lifestyle that promotes health and by consuming foods that provide:
(A) the proper combination of essential nutrients for optimal functioning of the detoxification process and
(B) adequate antioxidant protection to safe guard against free-radical damage.
Developing an Individualized Healthy Lifestyle
A health-promoting lifestyle should include:
1. GOOD NUTRITION, CLEAN AIR AND PURE WATER
"Food, Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer: A Global Perspective," stated that a plant-based diet and the avoidance of alcohol, together with the maintenance of recommended body mass and regular physical activity, may decrease the incidence of breast cancer by about 33-50%. Further research shows that reducing acidic foods (especially meat and dairy) and alkalinizing the system through an emphasis on fruits, vegetables and specific nutritional products can further reduce cancer risk. - An article published by The American Institute for Cancer Research in 1997.
There has been considerable speculation that dietary fat may be a significant risk factor. The overall evidence directly linking dietary fat to breast cancer is inconsistent and weak. One possible explanation is that it is not the fat but the stored toxins in the fat that are effecting the body. Fat intake has become a very controversial subject - fat is necessary for proper brain function and hormone production. Too much fat can cause health problems. Since most of our fat comes from animals that are full of artificial hormones and antibiotics, perhaps these toxins are the underlying cause. Countries that eat organically fed meat don't seem to have the same high incidence of cancer as we do. If that is the case then organic farm raised meat or a plant based diet would be a prudent approach for anyone with a high risk of cancer.
2. KEEP IT MOVING - GO FOR A DAILY WALK
A healthy diet can provide high-quality fuel for the body. Now what will you do with your body? Exercise has tremendous benefits: it enhances oxygenation of the blood and tissues, it helps eliminate metabolic and other types of toxins, and it increases health and vitality. It basically makes you feel good. One of the best and safest forms of exercise is brisk walking. When it comes to physical activity it is crucial to do something daily and maybe even more important - do something that you love to do. Change your exercise routine so that you stay committed to enjoying yourself. If you have any specific health problems be sure to ask your doctor for an exercise program that is right for you.
3. WATER WATER EVERYWHERE, BUT NOT A DROP TO DRINK
We already mentioned water before but the need to drink enough water is so important that we are mentioning it twice. It is the simplest, cheapest form of healthy therapy that you can do for yourself. The reason is that water has two important functions in the body.
The first is: water helps the body regulate temperature. Specific temperatures are very important for the body to function correctly. In fact if you do not drink enough water the body will conserve water and shut done water's secondary and tertiary functions. The need for proper body temperature to maintain itself is critical to life.
Water's secondary function is to assist in the removal of toxins. If we don't have enough water we can not remove stored toxins. Worse than that - with insufficient water we can't even get rid of new toxins and we end up storing them in our fat.
The third function of water. Here is the tricky part - when we become dehydrated - we lose the ability to become thirsty ! - So here is a quick test - When was the last time you were naturally thirsty? Not after exercise but just during the normal activities of the day? If you can't remember or if you answered a while ago the chances are you are under hydrated. Start today in acquiring this simple but powerful treatment. You should drink one ounce of pure water for every 2 pounds of body weight. When you start to hydrate yourself properly you will notice your skin improve and your weight start to balance. You will also become thirsty again so your body will be able to remind you to continue to drink more water.
4. TO SLEEP, PERHAPS TO DREAM
Rest gives our minds and bodies the chance to heal and regenerate. Look to nature and you will always see a wounded animal sleeping - they are resting so that their recuperative powers can use their energy to heal. It is the best form of healing because becoming inactive and falling asleep you give the body time to repair itself. We usually have two three hour sleep cycles per night. Interrupt them and you feel sleepy and tired. The second three hour cycle brings us the deepest rejuvenating sleep. Growth hormone, a powerful rejuvenating hormone, is released during this deep sleep. The body's natural mechanisms for cleansing and detoxification occur maximally during sleep. So it is better not to eat before bed time so that the digestive system has a chance to rest.
5.PEACEFUL STATE OF MIND
Stress is the most overused diagnosis in today's hectic world. Yet the mental and emotional pressures of most people's lives hinder the body's efforts to maintain health and balance, it is extremely important to learn practical ways of managing and handling stress. The influence of the mind on health, now referred to as "psychoneuroimmunology," is really a modern version of an age-old concept that recognizes the vital relationship of the mind and body in health and disease. Herbert Benson, M.D., a pioneering researcher in mind-body medicine at Harvard University, has written extensively on the beneficial effects of meditation, which he refers to as the "Relaxation Response" as it relates to immune enhancement and disease. Yoga or Tai Chi are gentle forms of quiet restful meditation that helps reduce stress. the simple act of breathing from your abdomen, not your upper chest will help calm you down. Prayer, meditation, and walking helps calm us.
Hypnotherapy, acupuncture and a host of psychological techniques are great ways to help your body mind spirit deal with stress in a healthy way.
Nutritional and Herbal Strategies for Women Receiving Treatment for Breast Cancer
Once you receive a diagnosis of breast cancer, complementary and alternative medical care can be made a part of your comprehensive treatment program. The addition of a supervised detoxification diet, along with periodic fresh fruit and vegetable juicing, can help reduce the impact of the tumor burden and help mobilize your inherent recuperative healing mechanisms.
A credentialed nutritionists can help define your requirements for nutritional supplements. These can be determined by analyzing your functional parameters, medical history, genetic traits, allergies, and basic personal information. Individualized supplementation can support you while you receive breast cancer treatment. Always tell your doctor about the supplements you take. There may be correct times during your conventional therapy when you would increase your supplements and other times when you would refrain from taking them. Your physician and nutritionists can help guide you during these times.
You can also use herbal and homeopathic medicines to further strengthen your body's systems, increase immune resistance, and in some cases significantly lessen the side effects associated with chemical or radiation therapy.
Of course, all complementary or alternative medical care practices must be done with the full knowledge of your oncologist. More doctors are recognizing the potential benefits of these approaches and the value of incorporating them into a treatment plan. When you chose supplements or herbal formulas it is critical to chose those that have passed independent testing to verify that they are safe, pure and contain the ingredients listed on the label. Look for third party certification seals to insure the best quality product.
