Breast cancer is not just a diagnosis, it is a journey that impacts the body and the soul🌸 It's critical to comprehend the significant influence of diet and lifestyle on prevention and recovery, regardless of whether you're fighting, surviving, or helping someone who is beating cancer.

Read this blog for more insight on the link between breast cancer and endocrine disruptors, integrative oncology therapy, what to eat and what food to avoid when in breast cancer recovery.

WHO Breast Cancer Statistics

With over 2.3 million new cases diagnosed each year, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Breast cancer is the primary cause of cancer-related deaths among women, making up 12% of all new cases of cancer worldwide.

What are the breast cancer causes?

• Genes mutations: BRCA1 and BRCA2 are common gene mutations associated with breast cancer .

• Hormonal changes: Exposure to endocrine disruptors and body high levels of estrogen.

• Lifestyle factors: Exposure to environmental toxins, alcohol , smoking and processed unhealthy diet.
  

  Breast cancer is a complex illness that can be triggered by many factors including genetic predispositions, environmental exposures and even emotional state.

  Breast Cancer and Endocrine Disruptors

Hormone disruption is a major factor in many cases of breast cancer; Chemicals known as "endocrine disruptors" alter the hormone system by changing estrogen levels, which can cause abnormal growth in breast cells tissue.

Women who are exposed to endocrine disruptors, which can be present in certain foods, plastics, and pesticides, may be more likely to develop breast cancer. You can find them in:

• Pesticides

• Plastics (BPA)

• Domestic goods (phthalates)

• Makeup (parabens)

  By imitating oestrogen, these disruptors can stimulate the proliferation of breast cancer cells: Stay away from these chemicals in cleaning supplies, beauty products, and food packaging.

Where breast cancer located?

It it usually begins in the cells of the breast, often in ducts or lobules but cancer can spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body.

Although many people think of breast cancer as having a palpable lump, it is possible to have symptoms of breast cancer without lump; For example the rare but aggressive, inflammatory breast cancer frequently mimics an infection by causing breast redness, swelling, and warmth instead of a lump.

Breast cancer symptoms

• A lump in the underarm or breast region

• Modification of the size or form of the breasts

• Skin dimpling

• Redness or flaky skin near the nipple

• discomfort in the nipple

• Breast discharge from the breasts (other than breast milk)

Can breast cancer near nipple develop? Specific types of breast cancer, like Paget's disease can cause change to the nipple and surrounding skin

Breast cancer with implant

Women who have breast implants may develop breast cancer, even though the implants do not directly cause the disease.

However, a rare type of lymphoma known as Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) has been associated with some types of breast implants, particularly textured ones. Women who have implants must continue to undergo routine breast exams, such as mammograms, since implants may make it more difficult to identify tumors, necessitating the use of additional imaging methods like MRIs or ultrasounds.

Always inform medical professionals if you have implants so that the right screening techniques are applied to your mammography.

Potential signs of breast cancer with implants

• Unexplainable pain or swelling around the implant

• Change in breast shape, symmetry or form

• Growth or lump under the armpit or next the implant

• Skin change or dimpling

Breast cancer or cyst?

Without medical imaging, such as an ultrasound, mammography, or biopsy, differencing a cyst from breast cancer can be difficult.

• Breast cysts are common in women, especially before menopause or with the menstrual cycle. Cysts are usually benign. They are fluid-filled sacs called that could feel tender, flexible and silky.

• Malignant lumps are more likely to feel hard, stiff and may not cause pain.

Professional clinical examinations and routine breast self-examinations check are essential to track breast changes and prevent breast cancer development.

Can breast cancer be cured?

Breast cancer is curable in many cases of cancer. Cancers treatments are especially efficient when cancer symptoms are detected and treated early.

Cancer development stages can play a part in cancer remission rate as breast cancer survival rate is lessened if the malignant tumor has spread from breast cancer to bone or to other body areas.

Will breast cancer come back?

Avoiding endocrine disruptors , processed food, sugar excess, hazardous chemical exposure and stress is still crucial to staving off the illness.

Even though survival rate for breast cancer have increased over time, getting breast cancer for the second time is possible, especially for people who have been exposed to risk factors like chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system.

Consuming ingredients easing inflammation in the body while providing high vitamins and nutrient contents to support the immune system and body detoxification during cancer treatments is crucial.

• Cruciferous Vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and kale contain sulforaphane, a substance with cancer-preventive qualities promoting hormonal balance and aiding in the body's detoxification.

• Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries contain antioxidants and flavonoids, which can shield cells from oxidative damage and inflammation.

• Turmeric: The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, has potent anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. Blend black pepper and turmeric to improve absorption.

• Green Tea: High in catechins known for its anti-cancer properties.

• Onions and garlic both contain sulfur-containing compounds that can strengthen the immune system and help stoping the growth of cancer cells.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and fatty fish like salmon are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower inflammation.

• Mushrooms: A few medicinal mushrooms such as shiitake, maitake, reishi, and lion's mane, can enhance the body's reaction to chemotherapy thank to their anti-cancer and immune-boosting properties.

• Fermented Foods: Kimchi, sauerkraut and yogurt are great for gut microbiome. Stomach is our second brain so make sure you feed your gut health correctly.

• Ginger: Can improve digestion in general and lessen nausea during chemotherapy thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.

• Sea moss: Sea moss contain 92 of the 102 minerals the body requires, including calcium, potassium, zinc, iron, magnesium, and iodine. Either white or purple Sea moss, are high in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. You can buy dry sea moss and rehydrate it yourself or buy it in gel.

Breast cancer FOOD TO AVOID

• Processed foods: Rich in chemicals and additives that could encourage the development of cancer.

• Sugar: Since sugar feeds cancer cells, cutting back on sugar consumption is crucial.

• Alcohol: Known to raise estrogen levels and increase the risk of breast cancer.

• Trans fats: These fats, which are present in baked and fried foods, cause inflammation.

• Processed foods: Avoid highly refined, processed foods. 

• Fried foods: Avoid fried foods that contain a lot of hydrogenated oils. 

• Raw or undercooked foods: Avoid raw or undercooked meats, fish or poultry. 

• Unpasteurized foods: Avoid unpasteurized milk, juices, and soft cheeses made with unpasteurized milk. 

• Unwashed foods: Avoid unwashed fruits and vegetables. Clean everything with vinegar.

• Leftovers: Avoid leftovers that are more than three to four days old especially if they have sat out at an unsafe temperature for four or more hours.

• Saturated fats: Limit saturated fats like butter, fatty cuts of meat, processed meats, and full-fat dairy products as they can increase the risk of cancer recurrence.

Breast cancer Rehabilitation

Treatments and Therapies:

• Breast Cancer Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy are examples of conventional treatments.

• Supplements with Herbs: Herbs like echinacea and astragalus may help strengthen immunity, but check with a physician about any possible interactions.
  

Mind-Body Techniques:

• yoga, meditation, or guided imagery: To support stress management, emotional well-being and relaxation.

• Mini-trampoline rebounding: Rebounding is a mild workout that supports lymphatic drainage, which is vital for a healthy immune system.

  Infrared Sauna: Saunas can lower body inflammation which aid in the body's detoxification process and relaxation. Make sure you speak with your physician before beginning.

Additional support for cancer recovery

The mind is incredibly powerful, so above all, make sure your mother is surrounded by loving energy. You can also focus on small victories, like continuing to be active or maintaining a healthy diet, to help her feel better. Wellness retreats and support groups for relatives or patients with cancer can be excellent sources of emotional support.

Healthy meal prep: Food is medicine and eating well can support cancer recovery. Consulting a nutritionist or looking for assistance to do meal prep can be a great relief to make sure you have all nutrients and vitamins you need to fuel your immune system during remission.

Beauty spa day: While cancer therapies can be tiring and you should avoid endocrine disruptors in cosmetics, still prioritising self-care, taking epsom salt bath and indulging in relaxing holistic practises can boost your mood and bring some softness to a hard time period.

Wellness retreat: Surviving cancers might make you want to enjoy life to the fullest. Many retreats offer program provide workshops and events connecting survivors for cruises and other group travel trip.

Join breast cancer charity: Just like cancer support group, to connect with people relating to cancer survivors mindset can help you recover from cancer trauma while contributing to a great cause.

When is breast cancer day UK and US?

• UK: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month is in October, and on the18th there are special events in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Day.

• US: October entire month is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month