Breast Cancer: Shifting our focus from early detection to PREVENTION

Women have a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetime. That is a staggering statistic to wrap your head around! Did you know?... It has been suggested that 50% of breast cancer occurrences are due to dietary and environmental factors. Let's shift our focus from early detection to PREVENTION of breast cancer.

Why has breast cancer become more prevalent?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. It is estimated that 2.3 million new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed globally each year (Łukasiewicz S). Why do the rates continue to increase? This could be due to increased screening for breast cancer. Screening recommendations start at age 40 or earlier if there is a personal or hereditary risk. But....environmental and lifestyle are also playing a role. Let's dive into this a little deeper...

Who is at higher risk of developing breast cancer?

• Those with a family history

• Endometriosis

• Fibroids

• Heavy periods

• Painful periods

• Fibrocystic breasts

The last 5 symptoms listed here are classically signs of estrogen dominance. Let's look at what causes estrogen dominance...

Diet as a cause?

The SAD (standard american diet) is linked to weight gain, diabetes, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome and can cause our hormone metabolites (how the body breaks down hormones) to be pushed into an inflammatory, pro-cancer pathway, as well as promoting estrogen dominance. In contrast, diets high in antioxidant capacity i.e. colorful vegetables and fruits, healthy fats, and adequate protein can push hormone metabolites into an anti-inflammatory pathway and promote healthy hormone detoxification. Testing for hormone metabolites can be done through urinary testing like a DUTCH TEST and advanced blood markers can clue your practitioner into how well your body is detoxing in general. And of course, the gut plays a role....

So...what about the gut?