Overview
- Breast cancer is a common cancer in women, with the highest risks for women between the ages of 25 and 65.
- The focus in oncology is often on treatment after the disease has occurred, rather than on prevention and risk reduction.
- The author has found that breast cancer occurrence could be significantly reduced if women knew how to prevent it.
Diagnosis and Assessment
- There are several diagnostic tools used to assess relative breast cancer risks, including genetic testing, breast imaging screenings, and assessment of environmental toxin exposure, hormonal use, and various personal factors.
- Early detection through screenings is important, but it is also important to consider the risks of radiation exposure through frequent mammography.
Estrogen and Breast Cancer
- Most breast cancers in the US are estrogen-receptor positive, meaning they are fueled by excess estrogen.
- Estrogen is important for various aspects of women's health, including reproductive and sexual maturation, brain and heart health, and bone health.
- However, excessive estrogen levels can increase the risk of cancer, as well as other conditions such as insulin resistance, diabetes, and obesity.
Sources of Estrogen
- The body has over 100 different estrogen molecules, with the most common being estrone, estradiol, and estriol.
- Estrogen is produced by the ovaries, uterus, and adrenal glands.
- Estrogen dominance, or excessively high estrogen levels, can be caused by various factors including hormonal imbalances, environmental toxins, and certain medications.
Preventing Estrogen Dominance and Reducing Breast Cancer Risks
- There are several steps that can be taken to prevent estrogen dominance and reduce the risk of breast cancer, including:
- Balancing hormones through diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes.
- Reducing exposure to environmental toxins.
- Supporting liver function to improve estrogen metabolism.
- Incorporating natural estrogens and hormone balancing herbs into the diet.
- Using natural progesterone to balance estrogen levels.
- Reducing stress and maintaining a healthy weight.