What Is Breast Cancer?

Cancer is marked by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body caused by an interplay of genetic and environmental factors including: genetic vulnerability, food choices, lifestyle, and estrogen exposures.¹  Breast cancer occurs in one of eight women and is the most common cancer in women.  It occurs in one percent of men.^2,3  Seventy percent of breast cancers are hormone receptor positive, and genetic mutations such as BRCA 1 and 2 mutations increase breast cancer development with 60-80% lifetime risk.^4-6

What Is an Integrative Approach to Breast Cancer Care?

Integrative medicine encourages an empowered approach to care which emphasizes lifestyle choices which may help prevent breast cancer, slow its growth when it occurs, and prevent recurrence.¹  It combines conventional and complementary and alternative (CAM) approaches to care that address physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the person. Evidence based therapies are used when available. The healing intention of all therapies is emphasized. Cancer may serve as an opportunity for growth and greater health.  CAM therapies, which interfere with conventional therapies, are avoided during that portion of treatment. Each person has a unique path to healing. CAM therapies may also reduce cancer treatment side effects.

What Are the Risk Factors for Breast Cancer?

Risk factors are reviewed by Costanza and Chen in UpToDate.⁷      

• Risk factors that increase risk of breast cancer include:
  • Alcohol consumption of greater than 1 drink per day^1,8,9               
  • Increased lifetime exposure to estrogen: exogenous and endogenous¹
  • Obesity^1,10,11
  • Increasing age¹
  • High fat, low fiber, processed food diet, low intake of fruits and vegetables¹
  • Exposure to radiation¹
  • Paternal or maternal family history of breast cancer^12,13
  • BRCA 1 or 2, or P53 mutations^12,13
  • Night shift work^14-16