Breast cancer is a malignant tumor originating in the breast, often involving uncontrolled growth of cells.
It is the most common cancer among women worldwide, excluding skin cancers, and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in females. Globally, it affects about 1 in 8 women. Incidence rates continue to rise, though early detection has improved survival.
Symptoms typically include a painless lump in the breast or armpit, nipple changes, skin dimpling, redness, or swelling like orange-peel texture. Early stages may be asymptomatic, emphasizing the need for screening.
Breast cancer starts from a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Inherited mutations in genes (e.g BRCA1/2) account for 5-10% of cases, predisposing women to aggressive subtypes. However, most cases (85-95%) stem from modifiable risks: hormonal imbalances (e.g., prolonged estrogen exposure from early menarche or late menopause), obesity, insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, toxins, and poor diet.
Hypercholesterolemia and metabolic syndrome increase risk by promoting cell proliferation and inflammation. Functional medicine views these as interconnected—e.g., insulin resistance drives estrogen production in fat tissue, fueling hormone-positive tumors.
Environmental toxins such as bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and parabens act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals that mimic estrogen, potentially promoting breast cancer development and increasing local estrogen levels in breast tissue.
Carolina Total Wellness Physicians prioritize upstream testing to uncover root causes before cancer develops. Inflammation markers like high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) signal chronic immune activation, a precursor to cancer formation.
For insulin resistance, its important to assess fasting insulin, HOMA-IR score, and HbA1c; elevated levels correlate with 20-50% higher breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women.
Hormone panels are crucial: measuring estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and assessing estrogen breakdown to detect estrogen dominance or imbalances that promote proliferation. Additional tests include advanced lipid profiles for cholesterol components, and toxin panel to assess the toxin burden.
These labs guide personalized prevention, with moderate evidence supporting their role in reducing cancer risk.
A functional approach emphasizes lifestyle to modulate risks.
The Mediterranean diet—rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, and fish—reduces breast cancer risk by 20-30% through anti-inflammatory polyphenols and fiber, which lower insulin and estrogen levels. Aim for 25-30g daily fiber to decrease cancer risk.
Physical activity (150 min/week moderate) enhances insulin sensitivity and reduces recurrence.
Targeted supplements include omega-3s (1-2g EPA/DHA daily) for reducing inflammation and vitamin D (2,000-4,000 IU) to optimize vitamin D levels, inversely linked to mortality. Curcumin (500-1,000mg) and sulforaphane from broccoli sprouts support detoxification and improve estrogen metabolism. Our DIM detox formula is an excellent supplement formulation which contains broccoli extract. It is always important to consult with your doctor before starting any new supplements to avoid any interactions.
By addressing inflammation, insulin, toxins, nutrients and hormones through diet and testing, functional medicine empowers prevention. If you would like to be proactive towards breast cancer prevention, consult with one of our physicians at Carolina Total Wellness who can create a personalized plan for you.
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