Personal Chef Blog

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is one of the most diagnosed cancers for women in the United States. Although it occurs more frequently in women, anyone with breast tissue is susceptible to cancer, including men. Abnormal cell growth in the breast tissue is how cancer may form. Some of the symptoms that are associated with breast cancer may include changes in the skin or shape of the breast or nipple, a lump in the breast, or changes in the color of the skin. Similarly, symptoms of breast cancer in men may include a lump or thickening of the skin on the chest, skin changes on the skin covering the breast, nipple changes, discharge or bleeding from the nipple, or swollen lymph nodes in the armpit. 

Although the exact cause of breast cancer is unclear, some of the things thought to contribute include hormones, lifestyle choices, and some environmental factors. Other risk factors for getting breast cancer may include your family history, radiation exposure, being a woman, genetic mutations, and increasing age. 
 

Reducing your risk

As with many diseases, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of getting breast cancer. Breastfeeding and limiting hormone therapy can contribute to risk reduction, as well as avoiding or limiting alcohol, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. Performing regular self-breast exams can significantly improve early detection. An efficient way to perform a self-exam is to imagine your breast is divided into wedges, like a pie. Feel through each wedge carefully from the outside towards the nipple to check for thickened skin or lumps. In addition, women over the age of 40 should schedule regular mammograms for early detection and to increase survival rates. 

The holistic approach

A proactive role in reducing inflammation in the body and making positive lifestyle choices is a part of a holistic approach to preventing and treating diseases like breast cancer. Certain foods can specifically target detoxifying the liver, where hormone production occurs that may lead to abnormal cell growth. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale are naturally detoxifying and also can reduce the proliferation of cancer cells. Foods that are rich in fiber, such as beans, seeds, and whole grains, help to expel excess estrogen and other toxins that produce an inflamed state. Additional foods that support detoxifying pathways are artichoke, dandelion, and milk thistle. Limiting processed foods that contain additives and focusing on whole foods, and consuming lean proteins, healthy fats, and including a variety of antioxidant-rich foods, like fruits and vegetables, boosts the body’s defense system. Managing stress levels is also important. Incorporate stress reduction practices like meditation and deep breathing into your daily routine. Breast cancer in particular can be impacted by hormonal fluctuation, therefore, maintaining harmonious hormone levels is essential. Reduce toxic exposure from xenoestrogens, which can be found in plastics, pesticides, hygiene products, and cosmetics. These products can disrupt the endocrine system and affect the body’s toxic burden. 

Treatment

Breast cancer treatment can vary and is individualized on a case-by-case basis. A holistic approach can include conventional health treatments like surgery and chemotherapy. It can also incorporate both conventional and complementary treatment methods. Nutritional therapy and acupuncture may be used in tandem with radiation or hormone therapy to improve overall quality of life during treatment. Ideally, overall wellness is the focus of the health protocol for breast cancer treatment.