The Tribune

By Dr Monique Thompson

This week’s article is written on a very sombre note. Breast cancer awareness month may officially be over, but our struggle with breast cancer is very real and ongoing.

I shared a statistic with you two weeks ago that mentioned that around 45 per cent of Bahamian women are diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 50.

This is what the data reflects, but so many women in their late 20s and 30s are being diagnosed, and losing their lives in their 40s.

While there are many things we can be doing in an effort to prevent the onset of breast cancer, I wanted to help focus your efforts by providing a road map on where to start.

As I provide this information, I thought it would be beneficial to provide you with a point of reference so you can appreciate the source of this information.

As a naturopathic medical doctor, I am trained to help patients prevent numerous diseases, including cancer.

In regards to patients with cancer, I advise on what to eat, what combination of supplements to take, what to avoid before surgery, what helps heal the body during recovery, provide complimentary treatment to enhance standard therapy, as well as work hand in hand with patients with a history of cancer to help the cancer remain in remission.

Medical

It is crucial to speak to a knowledgeable health professional about the breast cancer screening that is appropriate for you.

The guidelines set forth by the American Cancer Society and US Preventative Service Task Force (USPSTF) have been widely used and accepted. However, their guidelines vary.

Do monthly self breast exams so you can be familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel. Report any changes to a health care provider right away.

Lifestyle

A combination of 30 minutes of exercise six days per week (walking, yoga, tai chi etc) with five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, reduces the risk of developing breast cancer.

It also cuts the risk of dying from breast cancer by 50 per cent in women with early stage breast cancer.

Avoid alcohol. Every serving of alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer developing.

This is going to be a real challenge for many but it is a challenge worth overcoming as the risks are too great. Do not smoke.

Nutrition

There are many, many, many nutrients and herbs that can be used to prevent (and aid in the treatment of) breast cancer.

However, we will focus on prevention and the more noteworthy items.

Supplements are best taken with food unless specified otherwise.

As a note, these are general recommendations so some individuals may need more, less, or none depending on their situation. Always consult a healthcare professional before taking additional medications or supplements. Lastly, all the points made are backed scientifically.

Eat a low-fat diet because maintaining a normal healthy weight is crucial in preventing breast cancer.

Keep sugar intake to a minimum.

• Vitamin D3 – It destroys cancer cells and stops them from spreading. Research has proven its benefits in preventing cancer (as with all others mentioned here) and it is now being adjunctively used to treat breast cancer and improve survival. Dose: 1,000IU per day.

• Probiotics – These bugs, notably Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, are vital to our health. They are intimately intertwined with our immune system and help us absorb nutrients. Dose: 4-10 billion viable cells per day.

• Omega 3 fatty acids – These good fats found in fish and plant oils reduce breast tumour growth in animals, and decreases inflammation in the body which is a contributing factor to the development of cancer.

In this regard, fish oils are better, but for the vegetarians/vegans, flax and other plant based oils will suffice. Dose: 120-360mg of EPA and 80-240mg of DHA daily. Therapeutic dosing can be as high as 6000-9000mg per day (caution with blood thinners).

• Melatonin – After oestrogen binds to a breast cancer cell, melatonin inhibits that cell from dividing. It helps destroy cancer cells, and prevent it from spreading. It also inhibits aromatase, which leads to increased levels of oestrogen. Melatonin should not be taken by children, persons with acute leukaemia, or those on anti-depressant drugs. Dose: 1mg-3mg at night.

• Iodine – This mineral affects how your body responds to oestrogen, decreases the growth of breast cancer cells and helps destroy cancer cells. Iodine should only be taken if there is a deficiency. Dose: Iodoral 12.5mg-50mg per day.

• Green tea – Protects against breast cancer, and inhibits cancer cell growth and invasion. Dose: 5 cups of green tea per day (can do iced tea without sugar and sip throughout the day) or take 150-300mg of Green Tea Extract daily.

• Diindolylmethane (DIM) – Recall in earlier articles I mentioned that high circulating levels of oestrogen can lead to breast cancer. DIM helps break oestrogen into a less harmful product as it relates to breast cancer, and has been shown in vitro to destroy breast cancer cells and diminish its invasive potential. Dose: 100-200mg per day.

• Curcumin – This is the yellow pigment in curry (turmeric). It decreases damage to cells, disrupts stimulation of the growth of breast cancer cells, and decreases the growth of tumours. This should not be taken if doxorubicin is being used. Dose: 200-400mg daily.

• Black Cohosh (Actea racemosa) – This herb has a protective effect in that it reduces the risk of recurrence of Breast cancer. Dose: 200mg per day of the dried rhizome/root.

The mind-body connection

No longer are scientists viewing the body as a machine, but more and more the inter-connectedness of the human body, mind, and spirit is being acknowledged. Personality traits that help prevent cancer include finding healthy ways to express how you feel when you are angry, resolving conflicts, and being self-reliant.

Without being overly simplistic, positive emotions boost our immune system, while negative emotions suppress it. For example, smokers who are depressed have a much greater chance of developing lung cancer than smokers who are not depressed.

A healthy immune system is key in cancer prevention.

Laugh long, laugh hard and laugh often.

It not only boosts your immune system but increases blood flow, releases feel-good hormones, nourishes your internal organs and alleviates pain. Whatever your spiritual background, the fact remains that faith and the power of prayer are healing forces to be reckoned with. Studies reveal that religious commitment and prayer promote good health and healing.

~In loving memory of Gina Knowles and Adrianna Smith~

• Dr Monique Thompson is the founder of Cornerstone Healing Institute, an integrative clinic. Contact 356-0083 for more information. Bring in this article to receive a free breast cancer risk assessment and personalised recommendations for prevention. This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition but is provided for educational purposes only.