Thanks to: Textbook of Naturopathic Oncology (Parmar & Kaczor), AIIORE.com (Chilkov).

Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in women and the second most common cancer overall.

Currently, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. In recent years, France has been among the top five countries worldwide, with a rate of 99 women per 100,000.

Diet and nutrition therapy are becoming popular natural complements to conventional oncology treatment, particularly in breast cancer, where lifestyle risks can be easily reduced.

Cancer is not directly treated by a nutritional practitioner (BANT, 2005). Instead, the aim is to reduce dietary and lifestyle risks for recurrence and to help improve treatment side effects through good nutrition, exercise, and stress management (Granger, 2017).

What Might Cause Breast Cancer?

Genetics play a significant role in risk, but it is usually epigenetics (diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors) that determine whether cancer actually develops. Only 5% of cancers are caused by genetic abnormalities, meaning 95% are caused by other factors. That is huge! The good news is that we can take steps to protect ourselves and reduce our risk.

When to Worry

Most lumps and bumps are not cancerous, but it is important to self-check regularly. See your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• A lump or thickening of the skin in the breast or underarm
• Changes in breast size or shape
• Nipple discharge
• Sudden inverted nipple
• Skin irritation, puckering, creases, dimpling, or scaliness
• A warm, red, swollen breast with or without orange peel-like dimpling
• Persistent breast pain

Your doctor may send you for a mammogram and, if you have dense breast tissue, often an ultrasound as well.

Breast Cancer Risk Factors

Age – Risk increases as we get older. Most cases occur in our 50s, with a higher risk in our 60s. However, cancer can progress more quickly in our 40s.

Genes – If you have female relatives who had breast or ovarian cancer at a young age, it is important to get checked.

Race – Western women are at higher risk than African, Afro-Caribbean, Hispanic, or Asian women. Interestingly, Japanese women living in Blue Zones have very low breast cancer rates. However, when they move to the US and adopt a Western diet, their risk increases significantly, proving that diet and lifestyle have a huge influence on risk.

Estrogen – Estrogen stimulates breast cells. The longer we are exposed to it, the higher the chance of something going wrong. Factors that affect estrogen exposure include the age of first menstruation, age of menopause, childbearing history, and breastfeeding. The Pill can increase breast cancer risk but may protect against other gynecological cancers. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) also has risks and should be discussed with a doctor.

Late Childbearing – Pregnancy increases progesterone, which lowers estrogen exposure. The same happens during breastfeeding, which is why longer breastfeeding is recommended for both mother and baby.

Breast Density – Dense breast tissue increases cancer risk and makes mammograms harder to interpret. Ultrasounds are often needed as well.

Environment – Xenoestrogens are foreign chemicals that mimic estrogen and can disrupt hormone balance. They come from secondhand smoke, air pollution, pesticides, herbicides, power lines, radiation, and even some food and personal care products.

Exercise – Regular exercise can lower breast cancer risk by 60%. Enough said!

Alcohol – One drink per day increases risk by 10%, two drinks by 20%, and so on.

Smoking – No explanation needed.

Stress – Stress is one of the biggest influences on cancer risk. Chronic stress triggers harmful hormone imbalances. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and mindfulness is essential.

Weight – Excess weight increases risk because fat cells produce estrogen. Overweight individuals also tend to have more severe PMS symptoms due to higher estrogen levels. Losing weight detoxifies the body and lowers estrogen production. However, after menopause, a little belly fat can help maintain estrogen levels naturally.

Diet – Eating fatty foods, especially from animal sources, increases risk. Animals store toxins like pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics in their fat, which we then consume.

What Can We Do to Protect Ourselves?

Our goal in promoting breast health is to reduce as many risk factors as possible. We cannot change our genes, but we can adopt a healthier diet and lifestyle to influence how our genes function.

Key Areas to Focus On:

• Reducing stress and increasing positivity
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
• Following a nutritious diet
• Using supplements when necessary

Stress Management

We often do not realize how stressed we are. Spending time in nature, practicing yoga or tai chi, and socializing can help.

• Take time for yourself every day.
• Be grateful for what you have.
• Stay positive and avoid excessive worrying. Negative thoughts impact every cell in our body.

Healthy Lifestyle

• Exercise for at least 30 minutes daily. It helps reduce stress, balance hormones, and maintain a healthy weight.
• Limit alcohol intake—moderation is key.
• Prioritize sleep. Eight hours per night helps balance hormones and support the immune system.

Healthy Diet

A Mediterranean-style diet is the best for cancer prevention, providing nutrient density, variety, fiber, and healthy fats.

Foods That Reduce Cancer Risk:

• Cold-water oily fish (sardines, mackerel, anchovies, salmon, herring)
• Whole grains
• Soy and other legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas)
• Cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, arugula)
• Other vegetables (especially above-ground varieties)
• Nuts and seeds
• Fruits

Foods That Increase Risk:

• Processed meats, especially when overcooked or burned (grilling and barbecuing should be minimized)
• High intake of saturated animal fats
• Non-organic dairy
• Refined sugar
• Excess calories
• Alcohol

Particularly Beneficial Foods for High-Risk Individuals:

• Flaxseed
• Soy
• Pomegranate
• Broccoli
• Green tea
• Probiotic bacteria

Supplements and Additional Measures

Some people may need supplements to correct deficiencies. Low vitamin D levels are common and should be checked. Supporting liver detoxification can also be beneficial.

Intermittent fasting may help some individuals, but it is best to consult a doctor before making changes.

I have worked with cancer patients for five years, helping them improve their diet and lifestyle to manage treatment side effects and reduce recurrence risk. If you are concerned about your risks or need support during treatment, please get in touch.

Susie Thomson-Bowen
📧 susie@nutritionaltherapy.rocks
🌍 www.nutritionaltherapy.rocks
📞 06.67.05.45 41