Naturopathic Approaches to Breast Cancer Prevention and Support
October is breast cancer awareness month - a time to reflect on strategies for prevention and methods for early detection, as well as best practices to support patients through treatment and recovery. As a licensed naturopathic physician and member of the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians (OncANP), I strive to promote education surrounding integrative cancer care while providing adjunctive oncological care within my clinical practice. Treating the Whole Person, Treating the Cause, and Prevention are core tenets of practicing naturopathic medicine, and the integrative care of patients wrestling with breast cancer is no exception.
Prevention: Reducing Risk with a Holistic Approach
The foundational pathway for reducing overall risk is fortifying the internal ecosystem of your body that either promotes or diminishes chances of future disease through the daily incorporation of anti-inflammatory dietary and lifestyle practices -- Otherwise known as a terrain-based approach to medicine, which emphasizes an amplification of resilience.
An anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense nutritional framework is fundamental to breast cancer prevention. One's diet should be as diverse as possible to allow for abundant nourishment throughout the day. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale greatly assist in detoxifying excess hormones, while nutritional components such as sulforaphane help to promote the clearance of cancer cells through disruption of their cellular duplication. Fiber-rich foods like beans, seeds, and whole grains also help to improve the clearance of excess estrogens and toxins that otherwise bolster the inflammatory environment that supports oncogenesis or the creation of cancer cells. It is also critical to avoid inflammatory and carcinogenic foods like processed meats, refined sugars, and trans fats that may contribute to the development of cancer in the body.
In the case of breast cancer and other hormone-affected cancers, it is essential to create as much balance in the hormonal systems as possible by bolstering the natural detoxification pathways through the consumption of liver-supportive herbs (artichoke, dandelion, milk thistle, etc.) and fiber-rich foods, which aid in diminishing the reabsorption of excess hormones. For this reason, it is likewise paramount to reduce your exposure to xenoestrogens or foreign hormone-like particles found in plastics, cosmetics, and pesticides by switching to clean, organic products in your home and on your body.
Lifestyle practices like regularly exercising, managing stress, and supporting adequate sleep help the body's resilience to developing cancer. Exercise, especially resistance-based strength training, helps to lower inflammation and improve immunity while regulating hormones. Managing stress through prayer/meditation, mindfulness, and self-care practices (contrast hydrotherapy, full-spectrum infrared sauna, and forest bathing) reduces stress-based hormone production and improves immune system functionality. Adequate sleep, measured by quantity and quality, also directly impacts the body's ability to surveil damaged tissues and repair or destroy these affected cells.
Screening and Imaging Recommendations
Although the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) no longer recommends that patients perform Breast Self Exams as the practice may not "reduce breast cancer mortality," I encourage my patients to perform these self-exams 5-7 days after their period each month to promote awareness of one's own body and assist in identifying early signs of tissue abnormalities associated with cancer or other breast conditions. Clinical/Professional breast exams should be performed every 2-3 years between the ages of 20-40 and every two years between 40-74, depending on family and personal history.
Women between the ages of 40-74 should perform biennial screening mammograms to assess for breast cancer development or concerning tissue changes that may require further investigation. For patients with "dense breast tissue" (an all too common finding on mammography), there are additional imaging options that may prove more sensitive to mammography, including breast ultrasound, MRI, and thermography. These imaging techniques can often highlight abnormal tissues and patterns that may go unnoticed in a mammogram. As always, consult with your clinician about what screening imaging options are best for your care.
Naturopathic Support During Breast Cancer Treatment
If a patient is diagnosed with breast cancer, properly trained naturopathic doctors can provide excellent adjunctive therapeutic care options to complement the treatments provided by your oncology team. These adjunctive therapies often include treatment to reduce the side effects of conventional care (nausea, mucositis, and radiation burns), enhance immune function to synergize with chemoradiotherapy (immune-supportive herbs, medicinal mushrooms, and medications), and the provision of mental/emotional support along the path of discovery and recovery.
Above all, naturopathic approaches such as diet, lifestyle, and appropriate screening awareness empower individuals to take control of their health during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and throughout the year. Collaboration between integrative and conventional care teams is critical to improving patient outcomes while fostering quality of life from diagnosis to empowerment.
**Medical Disclaimer** Please note that the information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog post.