5 Additional Causes of Breast Cancer Beyond BRCA

Breast Cancer Awareness Month, marked in countries across the world every October, helps to increase attention and support for the awareness, early detection, and treatment, as well as palliative care of this disease.

There are about 1.38 million new cases and 458,000 deaths from breast cancer each year making breast cancer, by far, the most common cancer in women worldwide. Terrifying as these statistics can be, the good news that I have for you today is that you can implement a number of powerful, simple practices, to help prevent or support breast cancer. Beyond the breast cancer gene, there are environmental factors, foods that we eat, and other problems in modern-day society that have become catalysts to increased breast cancer risk.

In my practice, I take a Functional Nutrition approach to diseases. My approach starts with the WHY. So, when looking at breast cancer, I consider factors that can increase breast cancer risk and then teach you ways to eliminate them.

Here are 5 non-genetic risk factors that can lead to breast cancer:

• Sugar Intake – Sugar is a driver behind high insulin levels. Every time you eat sugar, you raise insulin levels, which promotes inflammation and can make cancer cells grow. To become proactive and prevent or manage breast cancer, you absolutely want to eliminate sugar.
• Hormonal Imbalances – High estrogen levels are correlated with increased breast cancer risk. And we see that high insulin levels can increase estrogen levels. I would recommend regular exercise to improve your insulin sensitivity, help you balance estrogen, and maintain a healthy body weight. No matter your fitness level, if you want to contact me, I can help you come up with an easy-to-apply exercise plan.
• Gut Health – Research studies have discovered that gut microflora influences cancer genes and your immune system. So, tend your inner garden with gut-supporting foods like fermented foods as well as fiber and probiotics. If you suspect gut issues like leaky gut or IBS, don’t hesitate to contact me.
• Chronic Stress – Certain studies connect chronic stress levels with increased breast cancer risk. Whether you opt for meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or another de-stressor, find something that works for you and do it. I have a list of programs that are a great way to melt away stress and anxiety.
• Sleep Deprivation – Studies show an inverse association between sleep duration and breast cancer risk. Aim for eight hours of quality, uninterrupted sleep every night – no matter your activity level or work-shift. I can walk you through a healthy sleep routine that suits your schedule.

Though breast cancer often develops for reasons we do not know, I’m certain that these strategies will empower women to make conscious choices to help reduce their risk of breast cancer.
Want to learn more about YOUR hormone levels – including ratios, daily trends of cortisol, and markers of inflammation? Contact me to schedule a FREE 20-minute phone consultation today. I can help you identify the key areas that need support and give you recommendations based on what’s happening inside your body, in a bid to achieve optimum results.

View this video to hear more about stress and breast cancer.