From Roby Mitchell (Dr Fitt)
This article gives a qualified good review of the ecology of breast cancer. It is unequivocally wrong in its information on the association of vitamin/mineral intake on the incidence of breast cancer. It is remiss in mentioning the association of mammograms to breast cancer. The association of ionizing radiation and cancer is a no brainer. MRI is proving to be the preferred imaging modality. The reimbursement structure,however, favors mammograms. I’m not convinced thermography has a primary role in breast cancer screening.
The role of endogenous estrogen highlights the importance of halogen supplementation. Iodine/iodide improves systemic estrogen metabolism. High dietary halogen intake is likely a factor in the relatively low incidence of breast cancer in Japanese women. Every patient,male and female,should be supplementing with iodine/iodide. Note,however, that isolated endogenous estrogen is not simplistically a cause of breast cancer. Endogenous estrogen levels increase several fold during gestation when cell hyperplasia is at its maximum for nine months. Class A carcinogens cause cancer easiest with increased cell hyperplasia. Other factors have to synergize with endogenous estrogens to cause cancer. Premarin and synthetic estrogens in birth control pills,on the other hand ,are Class A carcinogens,causing cancer by their singular presence. Exercise improves the metabolism of estrogen and reduces breast cancer risk/recurrence.
There is a definite association of hypothyroidism and breast cancer mortality. This is a factor in the higher mortality in African American women. The higher incidence of the disease in the affluent is due to diet,mammograms,non-bio-identical hormone replacement,birth control pills(More gynecologist=more breast cancer), and nulliparity/delayed pregnancy. Data from the Nurses Health Study reveals that total caloric intake is predictive rather than fat intake as was assumed. Breast cancer is a disease of Oximation,so anything that increases systemic or local(trauma) inflammation,such as the typical western diet will increase incidence. Refined carbohydrates and excess alcohol, in particular,increase breast cancer risk. Deficiencies of essential fats,halogens,vitamone D3,selenium,progesterone,and melatonin are associated with increased risk. An “evidence based”(Forgive me Lord) program of prevention addresses these deficiencies. Diets high in dark produce,particularly from the brassica family(purple kale,cabbage,cauliflower,and kolrhabi) reduce incidence. Fermented brassica, as found in sauerkraut and kim chee, also reduce incidence. Researchers at Johns Hopkins developed a broccoli sprout hybrid-Brocco Sprouts to have higher levels of one of the phytochemicals(DIM) shown to be chemoprotective against breast cancer. Research on the association of cow’s milk and breast cancer is equivocal. There is a strong indictment against American, pasteurized milk from hormone treated cows. Fermented soy foods are associated with reduced breast cancer risk. Research on soy based supplements is equivocal,some studies showing promotion of cancer cell growth by phytoestrogens. In general,strategies that prevent breast cancer also prevent prostate and colon cancer.
Most women who get breast cancer have no family history. Fibrocystic breast disease increases incidence and is totally preventable with diet and thyroid/halogen supplementation. The article also misstates that “We can do little to prevent this cancer”. Unless women in Gambia are genetically superior(See Fig.1),there are some modifiable behaviors that western women have that can be modified to almost totally eradicate breast cancer. Arimidex has been proven superior to Tamoxifen in chemoprevention of breast cancer recurrence. Arimidex is associated with increased bone loss that reverses with stopping the drug. Tamoxifen increases the risk of uterine cancer and embolic events. There is likely a cohort of women who would benefit from prophylactic use of Arimidex. Radiation and chemotherapy have little to offer beyond palliation in stage 4 disease.
http://medind.nic.in/jaq/t04/i5/jaqt04i5p439g.pdf