Exploring Breast Health

Women have been warned about the elevated risk of breast cancer for quite some time now. There has been a concerted effort to get important information out to the female population concerning the dangers of breast cancer. There is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, annual races, and pink ribbons that continue to remind women that they should keep a watchful eye on any lumps or bumps that may arise. These are great strategies, and they have well-meaning messages since breast cancer is one of the major afflictions of our day. However, are these strategies helping to slow down the rate of breast cancer cases or even identify enough cases for that matter? Mammograms, genetic testing, and breast exams may provide some early detection for a malignant tumor of the breast, but perhaps we should be putting more emphasis on actual breast cancer prevention than early detection? There may even be better tools and techniques to identify early breast cancer like thermography, which is also less invasive than performing a mammogram or biopsy.

When you come into see us or another medical practitioner, you will receive a comprehensive exam that will help elucidate whether there are any physical signs of concern. At which point, we like to utilize thermography which gives us better insight into the metabolic activity of the breast tissue. Cancer is a metabolic disease as Otto Warburg was able to demonstrate in the mid-20th century. The thermogram will pick up surface heat production & indicate which areas are producing more or less. It also gives us a glimpse into the lymphatic functioning in the area which plays a huge role in breast cancer. All in all, we prefer this strategy over compressing the breast tissue between two metal plates or stimulating inflammation through the biopsy process, although they may be indicated in certain situations.

Estrogen dominance is a condition that can predispose susceptible women to breast cancer. This could entail the ovaries producing massive amounts of estrogen or normal levels with inadequate progesterone to balance out the situation. That estrogen comes in different forms & will go down different metabolic pathways depending on the internal environment. This is a key point to remember. The terrain of the body will dictate enzymatic processes, hormone conversions, & the effectiveness of detoxification pathways. If the microbiome is altered, the body is overloaded with toxins, or there are numerous micronutrient deficiencies, then homeostasis will be distorted which can result in tumor progression. Natural progesterone is great at suppressing tumor growth, however its synthetic cousin, progestin, does the opposite. Just food for thought for those who may be taking oral contraceptives that contain this nasty compound.

You can think of your breast tissue like a sponge when it comes to toxins; xenoestrogens, and other chemicals from the environment love to take up residence there. As the amount of toxins accumulate, the capacity of your detoxification pathways may become overwhelmed. Then the body resorts to plan B, which is to cordon off the infiltrators so that they can not cause harm in other areas like the heart or brain. Then the local ecosystem of the breast tissue becomes dysfunctional and the mitochondria begin to stop functioning properly. The mitochondria are important cellular organelles that provide energy and signal cell suicide when appropriate, as a way to sacrifice its cell for the greater good. When this goes awry, cancer can develop. This is why dry skin brushing, upper body stretching, sweating, hydration, exercise, moving the bowels daily & consistent self-lymphatic massage are essential to breast cancer prevention. While you are self-massaging your breasts, you can take this time to note any unusual lumps or sensations.

Risk Factors
• Previous Breast Cancer
• Alcohol Consumption
• Obesity
• Vitamin D3 Deficiency
• Sedentary Lifestyle
• Malnourishment
• No Full-Term Pregnancies
• Lack of Breastfeeding
• Dense Breast Tissue
• Birth Control Pills (especially progestin)
• Statins
• High Socioeconomic Status
• Early Menarche

Nutrient deficiencies are a major concern for women trying to have children, but they can also contribute to the formation of tumors or fibrocystic breasts. Iodine deficiency in particular, appears to play a significant role in breast cancer. Research has shown that when molecular iodine is present in an animal’s diet, it can prevent the formation of tumors; while once iodine dips below adequate levels, carcinogenesis becomes more likely¹. There is plenty of evidence that links estrogen accumulation to breast cancer and now it appears that iodine disrupts the gene expression of certain estrogen pathways, ultimately reducing the chances of any tumorous growths¹.

Speaking of genes related to breast cancer, the two that receive the most attention are BRCA1 & BRCA2, although mutations in these genes are only present in approximately 3-8% of all cases². If you have a family history of breast cancer, then it would still be a good idea to have these genes looked at. Along the same lines, there are tumor markers that can be run with your routine blood work that can assist in diagnosis, monitor treatment progression, & identify possible metastasis. These markers include CEA, CA 15-3, & CA 27-29. One or all of these markers may be elevated so it is imperative to use them in tandem with other testing/imaging for a full evaluation & diagnosis.

Essential Oils for Massage Frankincense, Grapefruit, Pine (Monoterpenes). These essential oil options, among many others, help to influence fluid movement and negate free radical damage.

Bra-less & Loving It! Constriction caused by supporting garments will impede natural influx of nutrients & efflux of waste products. This is not what we want for healthy breasts. We need proper movement of fluids throughout the body including blood, lymph, bile, & CSF. When stagnation ensues, cells lose their vital supply of nutrients & oxygen which forces them to resort to alternative methods of energy production. As cells switch to anaerobic metabolism for primary purposes, tumors will proliferate in that tissue. All this is to say that you should not be ashamed to let your body be free while still conforming to the standards of modern society. It is essential if you want to maintain proper lymph drainage of your breast tissue.

As a last note, be cautious of any diagnosis for Stage 0 cancer or DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ). These do not mean that you have breast cancer. However, they may be used as fear tactics to coerce you into costly treatments that you most likely do not need. I know, it is a sad state of affairs, but it is also the truth.

1. Iodine Alters Gene Expression in the MCF7 Breast Cancer Cell Line: Evidence for an Anti-Estrogen Effect of Iodine (nih.gov)

2. Breast Cancer Linkage Consortium. Cancer risks in BRCA2 mutation carriers. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1999 Aug 4. 91 (15):1310-6.

If you would like assistance on your health journey and you are ready to finally get some answers to your struggles, then contact our office at (727) 789-4020. Dr. Jackson & Dr. Damon make a great team & they work together to achieve the optimal results for each patient. We look forward to meeting you and helping you to be your best self. At Crossroads Chiropractic & Natural Medicine, we are dedicated to finding the root cause of your condition & developing a customized treatment plan designed specifically for you.