Categories

  • Home
  • A Natural Approach to Breast Cancer

A Natural Approach to Breast Cancer

breast-exam.jpg

Breast cancer is a malignancy of the breast that is common in women and rare in men. It is characterized by unregulated replication of cells creating tumours, with the possibility of some of the cells spreading to other sites – a process known as metastasis. Historically, the diagnosis of breast cancer typically occurred when a painless one-sided lump is discovered. In recent years, diagnosis begins with suspicious findings from a routine screening mammogram. In more advanced cases, changes to the contour of the affected breast may occur, and the lump may eventually become immovable.

If breast cancer spreads to a distant part of the body (distal metastasis), symptoms are determined by the location to which the cancer has spread. For example, if breast cancer spreads to bone, it frequently causes bone pain; if it spreads to the brain, it generally causes neurological symptoms, such as headaches that do not respond to aspirin. When it has spread to other parts of the body, breast cancer also eventually causes severe weight loss, untreatable fatigue-inducing anaemia, and finally death. 

SCREENING: Most breast cancer is not hereditary, although a small percentage of women have a genetic weakness that dramatically increases their risk. Women with a strong family history of breast cancer may choose to explore the possibility of genetic testing with a geneticist, found on the staff of many major hospitals. Aside from this and the importance of a personal self screening and doctor ordered mammography, there are two other tests that should be considered.

tFFDP: International studies have linked elevated levels of tFFDP to numerous different types of cancer. Combined with the CA 15-3 test included to assess breast cancer in women, FirstMark ONC provides evidence of numerous types of cancer. (www.thefirstmark.com) The test leverages a unique proprietary formula that captures and quantitatively measures the amount of this cancer-related tFFDP biomarker to most accurately assess whether or not cancer is present. High levels of tFFDP can be a result of a cellular disregulation, such as the type observed in cancer. It must be noted that high levels of tFFDP also may result from other conditions affected by the coagulation system, such as clotting disorders, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, pre-eclampsia, injury or illness. This marker should not be used to provide a diagnosis of any medical condition, but should be used as a tool to assess the likelihood that a patient has cancer, which in turn may warrant follow-up tests if positive. Results are processed using a simple blood draw.  

E2:E16 Estrogen ratio: Along with a full family history review, genetic assessment, regular check-ups, self-screening, and a tFFDP test, evaluating how estrogen is being processed in your body is also highly relevant. The potential impact of estrogen on a woman’s health and wellbeing is enormous.  A simple urine test is provided by Genova Diagnostics. (www.gdx.net) yields clinical insight into many estrogen-dependent conditions such as estrogen positive breast cancer and provides an important tool for monitoring dietary, lifestyle and hormone therapies. Estrogen is metabolized in two ways in the body. Along one bio-chemical pathway, it is converted into a powerful metabolite, 16a-hydroxyestrone (16a-OHE1), that acts to stimulate target tissues. Alternatively, the body can break down estrogen into a much weaker metabolite called 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1). A proper balance between 2-OHE1 and 16a-OH1 (commonly referred to as the E2:E16 ratio) is key to optimal health.

Risk: The incidence of postmenopausal breast cancer varies dramatically from one part of the world to the other, and those who move from one country to another will, on average, over time, begin to take on the risk of the new society to which they have moved. This suggests that most, though not all, breast cancer is preventable. However, great controversy exists about which factors are most responsible for the large differences in breast cancer incidence that separate high-risk populations from low-risk populations. A few factors that affect the risk of having breast cancer are widely accepted: 

  • The later the age of the first menstrual cycle, the lower the risk.
  • Full-term pregnancy at an early age (teens to early twenties) lowers the risk.
  • Being overweight increases the risk of post-menopausal breast cancer.
  • Use of hormone replacement therapy increases the risk, but this increase in risk has been reported to disappear shortly after hormone use is discontinued.
  • Being older at the time of the last menstrual cycle (early fifties or older) confers a higher risk compared with women who have had their last menstrual cycle at a younger age (late forties or earlier).

Several other factors may affect a woman’s risk of getting breast cancer. Many researchers and some doctors believe that long-term (greater than five years) use of oral contraceptives increases the risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer, but not the risk of post-menopausal breast cancer. Also, being overweight appears to slightly reduce the risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer, even though it increases the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer.

Almost all women with non-invasive breast cancer (ductal carcinoma in situ), along with a majority of women diagnosed with node-negative invasive breast cancer, are cured with appropriate conventional treatment. Even when breast cancer is diagnosed after it has spread to the lymph nodes, many patients are curable. Once breast cancer has spread to a distant part of the body, conventional treatment sometimes extends life but cannot provide a cure. In part two of this article, which will be published in the December issue of Tonic, I’ll review natural treatments for breast cancer.

 

Dr. Bryce Wylde is one o Canada's leading experts on natural medicine. He is hte author of The antioxidant Prescription and host  of Wylde On Health on CP24. Please visit www.wyldeabouthealth.com

 


Comments (0)

Post a Comment
* Your Name:
* Your Email:
(not publicly displayed)
Reply Notification:
Approval Notification:
Website:
* Security Image:
Security Image Generate new
Copy the numbers and letters from the security image:
* Message:
Click here for a list of HTML tags permitted in comments

Articles

Say It Ain't Soy

When Bean Curd Is No Good

By Marni Wasserman

Jerusalem Artichoke

The Jerusalem Artichoke 

by Jennifer Phennings

Great Sex & Love

Is One Required for the Other?

By Cory Silverberg

Top 5 Ways to Love Thy Heart

Diet, Move, Hug, etc.

By Dr. Joey Shulman DC, RNCP

 

Break Free from Your Inner Prison

A Transformational Guide from One Man's Journey

By Mikael Meir

 

Not Tonight Dear

Multi-Disciplinary Strategies for Dealing with Headaches

By Kashka Kril-Atkins

Being 'There'

Attain Harmony with Your Thoughts

By Mia Brown

Teach Your Old Brain New Tricks

Think With Your Neocortex

By Rod Macdonald

Healing a Broken Heart

Befriending the Mourning Process

By Elizabeth White

What Your Aches Are Telling You

Managing Chronic & Recurring Pain

By Kashka Kril-Atkins

Mindful Eating

Consider How You Consume 

By Kristen Gallagher 

Kick-Start Your Fitness Routine

Try High Intensity Cardio Training 

By Kathie Kilpatrick 

Beyond January 1st

Realizing Your Resolutions

By Jamie Bussin 

Sulphites

The Hidden Allergy 

By Marni Wasserman 

Essential Oils for Weight Loss

Aromatherapy Can Help 

By Colleen Hague 

Can Herbal Remedies Relieve Pain?

The Alternative To Synthetic Drugs 

By Guy Chamberland 

The 7 Secrets of Weight Loss

What Every Dieter Should Know 

By Dr. Joey Shulman 

Be Happy for the Holidays

Holistic advice to help you handle seasonal stress 

By Kashka Kril-Atkins 

A Natural Approach to Breast Cancer - Part 2

In part one of this article published in the November issue of Tonic, I reviewed screening and risks. In this part of the article I'll discuss natural prevention and treatments for breast cancer. 

By Bryce Wylde  

My Yoga Practice, My Friend

How yoga probably saved my life

By Casey Soer 

Skin Health and Muscle Tone

Sleep, Diet, Exercise and these products. 

By Suzanna Ivanovics 

Fight Those Winter Blahs

Nine herbs and supplements to boost energy 

By Joel Thuna and Claude Gallant 

Gracious Holiday Hosting

How to Meet Guest's Dietary Needs 

By Maree Price

How to Avoid the Giant Germ

Fighting cold and flu.

By Kashka Kril-Atkins

 

Separate the Wheat from the Chaff

Going Glute-Free

By Marni Wasserman

A Natural Approach to Breast Cancer

Part 1: Screening and Risks

By Dr. Bryce Wylde

Let's Talk About Sex

A pivotal part of holistic health.

By Cory Silverberg

 

Sexing the Chicken

Monitoring estrogen levels in meat.

By Mario Fiorucci

 

Good Golly, It's Bolly!

The next dance fitness craze.

By Jamie Bussin

Sage Wisdom for Woman

Helpful Herbs

By Joel Thuna & Claude Gallant 

Frenemy Foods

Celiac, salicylates and how to deal

By Dr. Bryce Wylde 

 


Finding Her Bliss

Padma Stewart's yoga & meditation practice. 

By Jamie Bussin

The Age of Entitlement

How you can remain gracious and grateful

By Sonia Byrne 

No More of the "Moo"

3 dairy-free milk options

By Shannon Kadlovski

Yoga for Kids

Young Yogis and the joy of practice

By Anna Cipollone

A Summer Veggie Fritatta

A Summer Veggie Fritatta with Raddish and Seedling Salad

by Dan Dematteis, Chef de Cuisine at Café Belong at the Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto

You vs. Stress

Take Time to Cool Down

By Rod McDonald

Too Much of a Good Thing?

Fruit and Weight Loss

By Joey Shulman

Stretching Out Your Strains

Yoga Therapy for Back Pain

By Brenda Bell

SUN-AND-A-BEACH

Our Summer Road Trip to the Jersey Shores

By Jamies Bussin

Pack It Up

Lunch With a Conscience

By Lisa Borden

Healthy Food, Healthy Kids

Optimal Nutrition for Back to School  
By Dr. Bryce Wylde

 

Ziya Tong Busts 7 Major Health Myths

An Interview with the Daily Planet Debunker
by Jamie Bussin 

Summer Skin Protection

Summer Skin Protection
by Lori Stryker

Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia

The Tiny Seeds with Big Benefits
by Jerry Zeifman

Summer Sizzle

Healthy BBQ Ideas
by  Dr. Joey Shulman

The Therapeutic Practice of Yin Yoga

Find Balance in Your Practice  
by Anna Cipollone

Eating an Organic Rainbow

Steps to a Great Garden

By Dr. Bryce Wylde

What is Your Relationship with Money

Defeat Debt with a Money Blueprint
By Victoria Lorient-Faibish

A New Meaning to Spring Cleaning

Yoga and Renewal

By Sari Nisker

Don't Be A Zombie-Mommy!

A How-to Guide for the Dreary Days

By Julie Watson

Pet-onomics for Dummies

5 Earth and Wallet-Friendly Tips
By Candice Batista

Help! I Can't Stop Sneezing

Help! I Can’t Stop Sneezing!
By Dr. Suzanna Ivanovics

When Your Foods Make You Sick

Allergies and Intolerance
By Joel Thuna & Dr. Claude Gallant

A Secret in the Heart of the City

There is a house situated in one of the most affluent areas in the city that carries with it a secret
by Tonic Magazine

GMO’s OMG!

An interview with Jeffrey M. Smith, leading expert in understanding the effects of genetically modified foods on our health.
By Jamie Bussin 

 

Do-It-Himself

The Top Seven Health Habits for Men
By  Dr. Joey Shulman 

Yoga For Men

Strength, Balance, Breath
By Courtney Sunday 

 

Saving Face

Skin Care for Men
By Lori Stryker

Preserving Your Prostate

The Herbal Approach
By Jerry Zeifman

Is Your Pet a Couch Potato

How to See Spot Run
By Candice Batista

Healthy Sin Foods

Delicious Ways to Enjoy Taboo Foods

By  Dr. Joey Shulman

Healthy Hair Secrets

For Naturally Luscious Locks

By Lori Stryker

Do You Feel Like a Fraud?

Exposing Imposter Syndrome

By Catherin Osborne

The Ins and Outs of Cleansing

Toxins and the Human Health Threshold

By Dr. Bryce Wylde

Banish the Winter Blues

A How-to Guide for the Dreary Days

By Julie Watson

Being Single Sucks

End Your Relationship with Non-Reusable Items

By Lisa Borden

It's the Little Things that Count

Small Steps Towards Success

by Mia Eng and Rod Macdonald 

Season Your Immune System

Oil of Oregano Facts and Fiction

by Claude Gallant and Joel Thuna

Off to Market

Dufferin Grove 

by Joy McCarthy

New Year New You

5 Ways to Follow Through with Resolutions

by Julie Watson

Yoga Nidre

Heals What Ails You 

by Kathryn Beet

Who Needs Resolutions

5 Steps x 30 Days = Results

By: Dr. Joey Shulman

Stop the Sag

Is Anti-Aging Possible

by Lori Stryker

Make a Paw-sitive Impact

Throw the planet a bone and green your pet's food.

by Candice Batista

 

Fight Free Radicals

Anti-Aging Establishment!

by Dr. Bryce Wylde

Top 10 Green Gifts

For Mom and Baby

by Julie Watson

Keeping Up With the Spirit of the Season

8 Ways to Party in Good Health

by Lisa Borden

Look Beyond the Label

Understanding processed Food Claims

by Kirsten Gallagher

Emotional Eating Explained

When Psychology Becomes Biology

by Dr. Bryce Wylde

Cold Weather Comfort

Winter Skincare Essentials

by Lori Stryker

Diet and Exercise

A Troubled Relationship

By Rod Macdonald

Guide To Selecting the Right Knife

When looking for a new knife to add to your kitchen, there are many questions you have to ask yourself.

By Mario Fiorucci

Fit and Fabulous

Strength Training for Women

By Mia Eng and Rod Macdonald

Step Away from the Fridge

End Late-Night Snacking

By: Dr. Joey Shulman

Exercising to the MAX

Target Heart Rate for Women

by Julie Watson

Keeping It Off

The Keys to Regression Prevention

by Bruce Krahn

Dealing With Stress

Top Ten Adrenal Supporting Foods

by Dr. Bryce Wylde

The Truth About Nursing

Debunking the Myths About Breastfeeding and Exercise
by Julie Watson

Good Food Fast

Eating Smart and Eating Well In Toronto

by Jamie Bussin

Don't Drop the Ball

Seven Ways to Maintain Your Exercise Routine

by Julie Watson

Cacao Bean Crusted Elk Tenderloin

A French Bistro Dish Using Responsibly Raised Elk

From Brook Kavanagh, Executive Chef of La Palette restaurant

Pow! Right in the Kisser

The Best Natural Lip Care

By Lori Stryker

Omega-3 and the Oil Spill

What are fish oil manufacturers doing to source safe and sustainable fish oils in the face of the BP oil spill.

By Bryce Wylde 

What Makes a Fit Kid Fit?

Leading by Example.

By Rod McDonald

Do You Know What You're Taking

How to read a natural health care product label.

By Bryce Wylde 

Anywhere, Anytime!

5 Ways to Tone and Trim 

by Julie Watson

Beating Diabetes

Balancing Blood Sugar Naturally

by Claude Gallant and Joel Thuna

Don't Take A Holiday from Your Workout

Vacation time is precious- but so is your body. Taking a week (or more) off from exercise will sometimes spell disaster for even the most well intentioned exerciser. 

By Bruce Krahn

Scrutinize your Skintype

A rundown to help you identify you skintype and what to look for in a face masque. 

By Raman Sekhon

Kale & Quinoa Salad

A simple and healthful recipe to try at home. 

From Edyta Lorek, Executive Chef of Kale restaurant

Solving the ‘Tryptophan Paradox’

What exactly is the right combination for a good nights sleep, and how can it be achieved?

by Craig Hudson

Hydration 101

The best beverages to keep to happy, healthy and hydrated this summer.

by Claude Gallant and Joel Thuna

Investing In Water

As Canadians, do we tend to take our abundance of fresh water for granted?

by Susan Gottlieb

Beauty and the Beach

Busting 3 summer beauty myths. 

by Raman Sekhon

Feeding Thirsty Trees

A cheap and effective way to water your trees using little more than an bucket.

by Laura Shaw

The Skin You're In

Learning to dentify and address biomarkers.

by Bryce Wylde

A Little Taste of Spring

Asparagus With Béarnaise from Chef David Kokai, Executive Chef of Loic Gourmet

 

Doing the Farmers’ Market

The Art of Shopping Locally
Not only is hopping at the farmers’ market better for the environment, better for our economy and better for your wallet. It’s also fun, healthy and the food tastes better too.

by Lisa Borden

Spring Training

Four ways to exercise outdoors now that Spring is here.

by Julie Watson

Drawing Healthy Boundaries Protecting Yourself in Your Relationships

When does being ‘generous of spirit’ become ‘being a doormat’? When does being a ‘can do’ person become a problem? These are questions that many contend with as they learn about the concept of having and setting healthy boundaries.

by Victoria Lorient-Faibish

St. Lawrence Salad

This salad welcomes the spring with a mix of bitter greens, sweet flavours and a healthy crunch.

by Brad Long, Executive Chef of Veritas and My Place: A Canadian Pub

Don’t Get Stuck in a Rut - Renew Your Beauty Routine

Kick start your spring cleaning, by revamping your beauty routine. 

by Raman Sekhon

by Raman Sekhon

Fighting Arthritis and Joint Inflammation

Five Pain Relief Suggestions for Joint Pain and Discomfort

by Bryce Wylde

Veg Out

Blend Your Way to Healh

by Marni Wasserman

You’re Pregnant Now What?

Whether it’s your first or fifth, receiving news of a pregnancy comes with a rush of excitement and questions. 

by Julie Watson

Look Great in Those Greenjeans

The Ultimate Garden Workout to Shed Those Extra Pounds

by Anthony Westenberg 

Postpartum Workouts

Getting Back in the Swing of Things After Giving Birth

by Julie Watson

Detox Naturally

Eat These Foods and Herbs to Remove Toxins Naturally

by Alberto Trujillo

Optimize Weight Loss

The Top Five Diet Traps to Avoid

by Dr. Joey Shulman

MULTITASKING BEAUTY

Five products that will help you save money, and use less.

by Raman Sekhon

MAPLE ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP WITH CRISP CORN AND ROSEMARY FRITTERS

A Must-Try Soup from The Local Company

by Steven Wilson - Executive Chef of The Local Company

Prime Cuts

Sustainable Seafood – Making Informed Decisions

by Mario Fiorucci

Veg Out

Sprouts Anyone - Try these Delicious Recipes.

by Ben Stone

Veg Out

Five tips to get those raw fruits and veggies into your daily diet. 

by Gina Silvestri

Has the Cold Weather got you SAD?

Seasonal Affective Disorder and 12 Ideas to Beat Winter Blues

by Joel Thuna and Claude Gallant

The First 30 Days

The first 30 days of a new mom’s life are a haze of pain killers, pads, diapers, breastmilk, bottles, catnaps, tears of joy and pain, and that desperate, unquenchable need for sleep. 

by Julie Watson

Don’t Lose Sleep Get a Good Night’s Rest

Everyone knows how fabulous they feel after a good night’s rest.  But how many of us consistently get enough sleep and what exactly are the health effects of losing those zzz's?

by Jennifer Salter MSW

Yoga for Health – Reiki for Healing

Yoga and reiki practiced interchangeably can help you achieve and or maintain a balanced state of being.

by T.S. (Tim) White

Ontario Lamb Rack

This Ontario rack of lamb with roasted garlic & rosemary crust , ratatouille & gremolata sauce will motivate your kitchen.

by Trevor Wilkinson - Executive Chef of The Roosevelt Room

TOXIC FACE: The Chemicals Lurking Inside Your Makeup Bag

Ever wonder about the list of ingredients in your thickening, lengthening, smudge-proof, waterproof, clump-free mascara that give you those ‘to die for’ lashes? Or the shelf life of your products?

by Raman Sekhon

Lucid Dreaming - Self Directed Fantasy or Self Imposed Reality?

What is lucid dreaming and how can you can achieve it? 

by Rob Shaw

Show Them The Money

Teach Your Kids to Earn, Save and Invest

by Susan Gottlieb

Eater's Digest

Probiotics, enzymes and good food choices during the holidays to keep our digestive tracks on track.

by Claude Gallant and Joel Thuna

New Beauty Resolution

While assessing your beauty resolutions for 2010, hold that expensive quick fix. Instead, try implementing these three simple, yet effective, remedies for your complexion.

by Raman Sekhon

The Modified Shoulder Press

The shoulder press allows you to effectively target your shoulder muscles while minimizing the risk of inflaming a pre-existing injury.

by Rod Macdonald

Parivritta Prasarita Padottanasana - A Proactive Defense

Parivritta Prasarita Padottanasana is a detoxifying asana that wrings out the kidneys and the liver - the vital organs responsible for filtering wastes and toxins from the body.

by Jennifer Findley

Seared Speckled Trout

Serve this Trout with an Almond Gratin over French Beans, Fingerling Potatoes and Oven Dried Tomatoes

by Kyle Demingo - Executive chef of The Ceili Cottage

Veg Out

Getting your greens in is the first step to optimal and long-lasting health.

by Marni Wassermanw

Dreaming - The Universal Language of Symbols

What is a dream, really? Why do we dream? What role does dreaming play in one’s life or psyche?

by Rob Shaw

Fall Beauty Solutions

Try switching to these three essential beauty products that will allow you to blissfully stroll through winter skin blues.

by Raman Sekhon

Red Wine Braised Beef Short Ribs

Red Wine Braised Beef Short Ribs

by Ezra Title - Chef and owner of Chez Vous Dining

Prime Cuts

The Healthy Butcher’s Guide to Roasting Whole Ducks

by Mario Fiorucci

Self Acceptance

It takes great courage to face the things about ourselves that we would rather not acknowledge.

by Joan Foley

Okie Dokie Ahi Poke

Yellow Fin Tuna Tartar with Pineapple and Ontario Wild Leek Salad, Chili & Sesame Soy

by Michael Steh - Executive Chef, Reds Bistro & Wine Bar

With Gratitude... Padmasana (Lotus)

Padmasana is a classic yoga pose, challenging in nature, that most often requires regular attention and consistent practice to develop fully.

by Jennifer Findley

Living Without Stress

Is stress an attitude, an illusion or our reaction to something we think is askew?

by Joan Foley

Reduce Your Energy Bill

Busting Energy Efficiency Myths.
An energy conservation 101 refresher focusing on the many myths and misconceptions about energy efficiency.

by Tracy Chong

Taking Care of Business

Eight Tactics to Change the World While You Work.
Despite your age, or where you fall on the eco-spectrum, your actions have an impact, so make it positive for all of us that share your world.

by Lisa Borden

On Happiness

On Happiness

by Joan Foley   Bolano of All The Best Fine Foods uses seasonal produce from Ontario farmers to create a delicious savoury crepe.

Natural Solutions for Insomnia

You Are Getting Sleepy… Very Sleepy

by Shawna Page  Bolano of All The Best Fine Foods uses seasonal produce from Ontario farmers to create a delicious savoury crepe.e Best Fine Foods uses seasonal produce from Ontario farmers to create a delicious

Liberate Your Spine…and Your Mind!

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge)
& Urdhva Dhanurasana (Bow)

by Jennifer Findlay


Genuine Health Ad
Blueprint Wellness
AgeOff Ad