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Breast Cancer


Breast cancer is a growth of malignant or harmful cells that starts in breast tissue and may grow and spread to other parts of the body.

 
  • Overview
  • Action Plan
  • Ask The Doctor
  • Read & Watch
  • Success Stories
  • See Also

Overview


Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in women. It is estimated that approximately 1 in 8 (12%) U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime.1 There may not be any warning of breast cancer, however, if you notice any of the following signs or symptoms, you may need to see your doctor:

  • Breast lump
  • Strange discharge coming from the nipple
  • Skin dimpling on the breast
  • Change in the size or shape of the breast

Breast cancer is much more common in industrialized countries, suggesting lifestyle and environmental risks are the strongest factors. Genetic markers have been discovered as well, but about 90% or more of women with breast cancer do not have a genetic risk factor for breast cancer. In general, cell damage that develops into cancer always has some agent or combination of agents that cause changes and damage to cell structure. This damage can occur early in life, even before birth, and is cumulative. Causative risks include exposures to chemicals, supplemental hormones, radiation exposure, early first menstruation, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, alcohol use, tobacco use, and high animal product intake. Eating a diet high in vegetables and fruits in general has been found to correlate with lower risk of breast cancer, and this is likely related to the cancer protective nutrients found in these foods. Childhood and adolescence seems to be the most important time to use protective foods and avoid risky behaviors that increase risk.

 
References
  1. DeSantis C, Ma J, Bryan L, Jemal A. Breast cancer statistics, 2013. CA Cancer J Clin 2014, 64:52-62.

Action Plan


Diet

  • Many plant foods have been found to contain cancer-fighting nutrients for prevention or part of a treatment regimen for breast cancer. Of the foods studied, the following has shown the most convincing evidence for protection.
    • Flax seeds—Flax seeds have been shown to lower the risk of breast cancer as well as help treat it,1 likely related to their high amount of lignans, a nutrient which has anti-estrogenic effects and is also found in other foods such as chia seeds.
    • Green vegetables, particularly cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, kale, cabbage, and collards)—Cruciferous vegetables contain high amounts of special sulphur-containing compounds that fight cancer, and have been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer.2
    • Garlic and onions—Similar to cruciferous vegetables, garlic and onions have special sulfur-containing compounds that fight cancer.
    • Soybeans
      • Eating whole soybeans (edamame), tofu, and tempeh, has been shown to be protective against developing breast cancer, particularly when eaten as a child or adolescent.
      • Whole soy is also helpful for those already diagnosed with breast cancer.3
      • Avoid isolated soy protein.
    • Mushrooms—Mushrooms are particularly helpful at reducing breast cancer risk4 in part related to their estrogen-lowering effects.
    • Berries—Eating berries (strawberries, blackberries, cranberries, blueberries, etc.) have been shown to help fight cancer, including breast cancer.
    • Tip: Onion family and cruciferous family vegetables are best eaten raw and chewed well or at least chopped finely or blended prior to cooking in order to provide the strongest cancer protection.
    • A high-fiber diet (rich in vegetables and beans) provides additional protection by reducing circulating estrogen levels, as fiber binds up estrogen in the digestive tract, accelerating its removal from the body.5-7
    • Alcohol consumption also increases risk of breast cancer in a dose-dependent fashion.8
  • Reducing foods that are associated with higher risk, such as processed foods and animal products, is also an important strategy in reducing breast cancer risk.
  • Green tea consumption may be protective against breast cancer.9 Using green tea extracts (see Supplements below) allows for convenient dosing.
  • Meal plan: Anti-cancer/High micronutrient

Supplements

  • Dr. Fuhrman’s general supplement protocol for adults (see Vitamin Advisor for details) includes:
  • Additional supplements:
    • Green tea has anti-cancer effects in vitro, drinking green tea regularly is associated with a lower risk of cancer, and studies suggest that green tea supplements may help to reduce cancer-related biomarkers.10
    • Turmeric/curcumin: Curcuminoids, the widely studied bioactive components of turmeric, have anti-cancer effects in vitro, and human studies suggest beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.11, 12
    • Grape seed extract has anti-cancer effect in vitro, such as inhibiting inflammation, proliferation, angiogenesis, and aromatase activity.13 Clinical trials are being conducted to find out whether grape seed extract is helpful for people with cancer or at high risk of cancer. 
    • Ultra Cell Biotect provides absorption-enhanced curcumin and green tea extract plus turmeric, grape seed extract, and black turmeric extract to help neutralize free radicals and promote cellular health. Consult your physician if you are on medication.
    • Mushroom extracts: Studies suggest that concentrated mushroom extracts may be a useful addition to cancer treatment, to decrease the immunosuppressive effects of chemotherapy.14
    • Immune Biotect provides assorted immune-supporting mushroom phytochemicals that are not normally consumed in the diet, plus astragalus, elderberry and other berry extracts. Consult your physician if you are on medication. 
    • Read more: Do you have a supplement formulated to enhance protection against cancer?

Exercise

Regular physical activity is associated with lower risk of cancer. Moderate exercise is helpful, and vigorous exercise provides even more protection.15

Read

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Other Considerations

  • Weight loss: Obesity increases the risk for several cancers, including breast cancer. It is estimated that 17 percent of breast cancers are caused by obesity alone.16 If you are overweight or obese, a Nutritarian diet style will help you reach your ideal weight.
  • Screening with mammograms: Each individual’s case is different, but when investigators look at a very large group of women together, screening (with mammogram primarily) has recently been shown to not be able to reduce the overall risk of dying.17 Some individuals may still benefit from some form of screening, but, unfortunately, it is difficult to know who would or wouldn’t benefit from screening, how often, or when to start. Screening with mammogram can lead to higher exposures to harmful radiation, false-positive results which lead to unnecessary treatments/surgery/grief, and even false-negative results which can lead to false reassurance and less focus on prevention strategies such as dietary changes. Better screening tools will be available in the near future, but the most important real prevention is superior nutrition.

Find additional help

ONLINE: All members of DrFuhrman.com can search the Ask the Doctor archives for discussions on this topic. Platinum and Diamond members can connect with Dr. Fuhrman by posting questions in the forum. Not a member? Join now.

IN PERSON: Book a stay at Dr. Fuhrman’s Eat to Live Retreat in Southern California. With options ranging from one, two and three months (and sometimes longer) you will be under Dr. Fuhrman’s direct medical supervision as you hit the “reset” button on your health. For more information: (949) 432-6295 or [email protected]

EVENTS: Join Dr. Fuhrman for an online boot camp, detox or other event. During these immersive online events, you’ll attend zoom lectures, follow a special meal plan, and have access to a special, live Q&A session with Dr. Fuhrman. Learn more about events.

 
References
  1. Flower G, Fritz H, Balneaves LG, et al. Flax and Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review. Integr Cancer Ther 2013, 13:181-192.
  2. Liu X, Lv K. Cruciferous vegetables intake is inversely associated with risk of breast cancer: a meta-analysis. Breast 2013, 22:309-313.
  3. Nechuta SJ, Caan BJ, Chen WY, et al. Soy food intake after diagnosis of breast cancer and survival: an in-depth analysis of combined evidence from cohort studies of US and Chinese women. Am J Clin Nutr 2012, 96:123-132.
  4. Li J, Zou L, Chen W, et al. Dietary mushroom intake may reduce the risk of breast cancer: evidence from a meta-analysis of observational studies. PLoS One 2014, 9:e93437.
  5. Aubertin-Leheudre M, Gorbach S, Woods M, et al. Fat/fiber intakes and sex hormones in healthy premenopausal women in USA. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2008, 112:32-39.
  6. Aubertin-Leheudre M, Hamalainen E, Adlercreutz H. Diets and hormonal levels in postmenopausal women with or without breast cancer. Nutr Cancer 2011, 63:514-524.
  7. Goldin BR, Adlercreutz H, Gorbach SL, et al. Estrogen excretion patterns and plasma levels in vegetarian and omnivorous women. N Engl J Med 1982, 307:1542-1547.
  8. Chen WY, Rosner B, Hankinson SE, et al. Moderate alcohol consumption during adult life, drinking patterns, and breast cancer risk. JAMA 2011, 306:1884-1890.
  9. Ogunleye AA, Xue F, Michels KB. Green tea consumption and breast cancer risk or recurrence: a meta-analysis. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2010, 119:477-484.
  10. Khan N, Mukhtar H. Cancer and metastasis: prevention and treatment by green tea. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2010, 29:435-445.
  11. Park W, Amin AR, Chen ZG, Shin DM. New perspectives of curcumin in cancer prevention. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2013, 6:387-400.
  12. Panahi Y, Hosseini MS, Khalili N, et al. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of curcuminoid-piperine combination in subjects with metabolic syndrome: A randomized controlled trial and an updated meta-analysis. Clin Nutr 2015, 34:1101-1108.
  13. Katiyar SK, Athar M. Grape seeds: ripe for cancer chemoprevention. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2013, 6:617-621.
  14. Patel S, Goyal A. Recent developments in mushrooms as anti-cancer therapeutics: a review. 3 Biotech 2012, 2:1-15.
  15. Volaklis KA, Halle M, Tokmakidis SP. Exercise in the prevention and rehabilitation of breast cancer. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2013, 125:297-301.
  16. American Institute for Cancer Research. New Estimate: Excess Body Fat Alone Causes over 100,000 Cancers in US Each Year [http://preventcancer.aicr.org/site/News2/153571380?abbr=pr_&page=NewsArticle&id=17333&news_iv_ctrl=1102]
  17. Gotzsche PC, Jorgensen KJ. Screening for breast cancer with mammography. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013, 6:CD001877.

Ask The Doctor


The following are sample questions from the Ask the Doctor Community Platinum and higher members can post their health questions directly to Dr. Fuhrman. (All members can browse questions and answers.)

Q.

Do you have a supplement formulated to specifically to enhance protection against cancer?

A.

Dietary supplements by definition do not treat, prevent, or cure a disease and cannot claim to on labels or in advertising. However, plant extracts are continually being studied for their potential to maintain health and affect the disease process.  Clinical trials are being conducted, aiming to figure out whether certain plant extracts could affect cancer-related biomarkers, act as beneficial adjunct treatments to be used with chemotherapy, or help to prevent progression of an early stage cancer or pre-cancerous condition. Read more

 
Q.

I was just diagnosed with breast cancer. I follow a vegan diet and I have been using soy milk in place of dairy milk, 1 to 2 cups per day, and use other soy products. Should I avoid soy which increases the estrogen in your body?

A.

The potential problem here stems from your use of the word "vegan" diet and not "vegan-Nutritarian" diet because the anti-cancer power comes from the careful inclusion of the plant foods with the most documented benefits against cancer–G-BOMBS. For example, a very low fat, high carb vegan diet will not expose you to enough phytochemical benefits and will decrease their absorption. So the question is, where do the two cups of soy milk come into play in your diet? It is a processed food with limited antioxidants and phytochemicals, so if you are using it as a drink, it would make more sense to drink a glass of carrot, kale, lemon, tomato, and ginger juice. It is not that unsweetened soy milk is bad, but that it may reflect an overall lack of attention to the optimal choice of foods.

Avoiding all soy has no benefit for breast cancer patients and does not increase estrogen in the body. Unprocessed soy beans and tempeh are excellent foods. You should not eat isolated soy protein or overly processed soy products. Use miso sparingly and only low salt varieties. Tofu and tempeh are fine, and use unsweetened soy milk in limited quantities.

 
Q.

I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. I have started to follow a Nutritarian diet in hopes of reversing it. A local physician told me that more than 1/3 cup of fresh or frozen fruit per day is not good for cancer patients because cancer cells feed on sugar. I’ve been eating much more than 1/3 cup per day. Should I cut back on fruits?

A.

No, you should not. Eating one serving of fruit (whole cup) with each meal is fine. There are lots of false myths that circulate in the anti-cancer community. Even though foods with a high glycemic load are cancer-promoters, fresh fruit has a low glycemic load, especially when compared to white flour, sugar, white rice, and even white potato. Eating a reasonable amount of fruit, especially berries, has been demonstrated in scientific studies to protect and even reverse cancer.

 

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