Cure Breast Cancer (BC)?

Dr. Michael Wald

29 King Street

Chappaqua, NY 10514

DC | Dietitian | Board Certified Nutritionist | CNN | Life Coach

914-552-442

Disclaimer: The information contained in these notes and podcast are meant for educational purposes only and are not to substitute for sound medical health advice. 

Ask the Blood Detective is a podcast dedicated to providing comprehensive information on breast cancer prevention and treatment through lifestyle modifications such as diet and nutritional supplement intake. The podcast aims to empower listeners with knowledge about natural approaches to support breast health. The top three types of breast cancer include ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), invasive ductal carcinoma, and invasive lobular carcinoma. Herbal approaches such as turmeric, green tea, and flaxseed have shown potential in supporting breast health. Additionally, the top 10 vitamins and minerals that play a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer include vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folate, calcium, magnesium, and selenium.

A clean environment, healthy diet, nutritional supplements, vitamins, minerals, and herbs are not a cure for breast cancer but can support immunity, reduce inflammation, build healthy lean mass, improve circulation, detoxify the body, and have specific anticancer effects such as improving cell-to-cell communication and promoting apoptosis.

Breast cancer is a complex disease influenced by various factors including genetic predisposition, environmental exposures, and lifestyle choices. While there is no single cure for breast cancer, maintaining a clean environment and adopting a healthy diet can play a crucial role in supporting overall health and potentially reducing the risk of cancer development. Additionally, nutritional supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and herbs can aid in supporting the body’s immune system, reducing inflammation, building healthy lean mass, improving circulation, and aiding in detoxification processes.

Supporting Immunity: A clean environment and a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can provide essential nutrients that support the immune system. Nutritional supplements such as vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and probiotics can also contribute to immune function. A strong immune system is important for the body’s ability to recognize and eliminate abnormal cells, including cancerous cells.

Reducing Inflammation: Chronic inflammation has been linked to an increased risk of cancer development. Certain dietary choices and nutritional supplements can help reduce inflammation in the body. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil and certain herbs like turmeric have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties.

Building Healthy Lean Mass: Maintaining a healthy weight and building lean muscle mass through proper nutrition and regular exercise can positively impact overall health. Adequate protein intake is essential for muscle maintenance and repair. Nutritional supplements such as whey protein or branched-chain amino acids may support muscle growth and recovery.

Improving Circulation: A well-balanced diet that includes foods rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients can promote cardiovascular health and improve circulation. Certain vitamins like vitamin E and herbs like garlic have been associated with improved blood flow.

Detoxification: The body’s natural detoxification processes are vital for eliminating harmful substances. Consuming a diet high in fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports digestive health and regular elimination of toxins. Additionally, certain herbs like milk thistle may support liver function, aiding in detoxification.

Specific Anticancer Effects: Several vitamins, minerals, and herbs have been studied for their potential anticancer effects. For example:

• Vitamin D has been associated with reduced breast cancer risk.
• Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, has demonstrated anti-cancer properties by influencing cell signaling pathways.
• Green tea contains polyphenols that have shown potential anticancer effects by promoting apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells.
• Resveratrol found in red grapes has been studied for its potential to inhibit cancer cell growth.

In conclusion, while a clean environment, healthy diet, nutritional supplements, vitamins, minerals, and herbs are not a cure for breast cancer on their own, they play a significant role in supporting overall health and potentially reducing the risk of cancer development through various mechanisms such as supporting immunity, reducing inflammation, building healthy lean mass, improving circulation, aiding detoxification processes, and possessing specific anticancer effects.

Statistics: According to the American Cancer Society, in 2021, it was estimated that about 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer would be diagnosed in women in the United States, along with about 49,290 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer. The organization also estimated that about 43,600 women would die from breast cancer in 2021.

Oncological Treatments: The treatment options for breast cancer depend on various factors such as the type and stage of cancer, as well as individual patient factors. Common treatments include surgery (such as lumpectomy or mastectomy), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy (for hormone receptor-positive cancers), targeted therapy (for HER2-positive cancers), and immunotherapy. These treatments can be used alone or in combination to effectively manage and treat breast cancer.

The survival rates for the top three types of breast cancer in the United States vary depending on several factors, including the stage at diagnosis, the specific characteristics of the cancer, and the individual’s overall health. It’s important to note that survival rates are typically reported as a five-year relative survival rate, which represents the percentage of people with a specific type and stage of cancer who are still alive five years after their diagnosis. Here are the survival rates for the top three types of breast cancer:

1. Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): DCIS is considered non-invasive breast cancer, where abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct but have not spread outside the duct to other tissues. The five-year relative survival rate for DCIS is nearly 100%. This high survival rate is primarily due to the fact that DCIS is highly treatable, and most women diagnosed with DCIS do not die from the disease.

2. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): IDC is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for about 80% of all invasive breast cancers. The five-year relative survival rate for invasive ductal carcinoma varies depending on the stage at diagnosis. For localized IDC (cancer that has not spread beyond the breast), the five-year relative survival rate is around 98%. If IDC has spread to nearby lymph nodes, the survival rate decreases to approximately 84%. When IDC has metastasized to distant parts of the body, the five-year relative survival rate drops to around 27%.

3. Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): Invasive lobular carcinoma accounts for about 10-15% of all invasive breast cancers. The five-year relative survival rate for invasive lobular carcinoma also depends on the stage at diagnosis. For localized ILC, the five-year relative survival rate is approximately 91%. If ILC has spread to nearby lymph nodes, the survival rate decreases to around 74%. When ILC has metastasized to distant parts of the body, the five-year relative survival rate drops to about 24%.

It’s important to remember that these statistics are general and may not reflect an individual’s prognosis accurately. Many factors can influence an individual’s prognosis, including their age, overall health, response to treatment, and other unique characteristics of their cancer.

The role of diet in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer in the United States is significant. Research suggests that a healthy diet can play a crucial role in reducing the risk of developing breast cancer and may also aid in the treatment process. Both macronutrients and micronutrients, as well as specific dietary components such as fruits and vegetables, have been studied for their potential impact on breast cancer prevention and treatment.

Macronutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, are essential components of the diet. Studies have shown that a balanced intake of these macronutrients is important for overall health and may contribute to reducing the risk of breast cancer. For example, consuming whole grains as a source of carbohydrates, lean sources of protein such as poultry or fish, and healthy fats from sources like avocados and nuts can be beneficial.

Micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, also play a critical role in breast cancer prevention and treatment. For instance, vitamin D has been linked to a reduced risk of breast cancer, and adequate intake of calcium may also have a protective effect. Additionally, antioxidants like vitamin C and E found in fruits and vegetables can help combat oxidative stress and inflammation that are associated with cancer development.

Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of various micronutrients and phytochemicals that have been studied for their potential protective effects against breast cancer. Consuming a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables provides an array of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that support overall health and may reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

In addition to dietary factors, several lifestyle factors have been identified as predisposing individuals to an increased risk of breast cancer. These include:

1. Physical inactivity: Lack of regular physical activity has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Engaging in regular exercise not only helps maintain a healthy weight but also has direct benefits in reducing the risk of developing breast cancer.
2. Obesity: Being overweight or obese is a known risk factor for breast cancer, particularly after menopause. Adhering to a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity can help manage weight and reduce this risk.
3. Alcohol consumption: Studies have shown that higher alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Limiting alcohol intake or avoiding it altogether can contribute to lowering the risk of developing the disease.
4. **Smoking: Smoking has been linked to an elevated risk of various types of cancers, including breast cancer. Avoiding tobacco products is crucial for overall health and reducing the risk of cancer.
5. **Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Long-term use of combined hormone replacement therapy (estrogen plus progestin) during menopause has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. It’s important for individuals considering HRT to discuss the potential risks with their healthcare providers.

Overall, maintaining a healthy diet that includes adequate macronutrients, micronutrients from fruits and vegetables, along with adopting lifestyle habits such as regular physical activity while avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can significantly contribute to reducing the risk of developing breast cancer.

The top 15 herbs and phytonutrients that have been studied for their potential in preventing and treating breast cancer include:

1. Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has been shown to have anti-cancer properties, including inhibiting the growth of breast cancer cells and reducing the risk of metastasis.
2. Green Tea (Camellia sinensis): Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a catechin found in green tea, has demonstrated anti-cancer effects in breast cancer by inhibiting tumor growth and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells.
3. Garlic (Allium sativum): Garlic contains organosulfur compounds such as allicin, which have been studied for their potential to inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells and reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.
4. Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Gingerol, a bioactive compound in ginger, has shown anti-cancer properties by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting the growth of breast cancer cells.
5. Cruciferous Vegetables (Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts): These vegetables contain sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol, which have been investigated for their ability to modulate estrogen metabolism and reduce the risk of estrogen-sensitive breast cancer.
6. Flaxseeds (Linum usitatissimum): Flaxseeds are rich in lignans, which have estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects and may help reduce the risk of hormone-related breast cancer.
7. Mushrooms (Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake): Certain mushrooms contain bioactive compounds such as beta-glucans and polysaccharides that have shown immune-modulating and anti-cancer effects in breast cancer.
8. Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum): The phytochemicals in holy basil, including eugenol and rosmarinic acid, have been studied for their potential to inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis.
9. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Withaferin A, a bioactive compound in ashwagandha, has demonstrated anti-cancer effects by inhibiting angiogenesis and metastasis in breast cancer.
10. Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum): Silymarin, the active component of milk thistle, has been investigated for its potential to protect against breast cancer by exerting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
11. Red Clover (Trifolium pratense): Isoflavones found in red clover, such as genistein and daidzein, have been studied for their potential to modulate estrogen receptor signaling and inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells.
12. Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa): Triterpene glycosides in black cohosh have been investigated for their potential to exert estrogenic effects and inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells.
13. Ginseng (Panax ginseng): Ginsenosides found in ginseng have shown anti-cancer effects by modulating multiple signaling pathways involved in breast cancer progression.
14. Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus): Chasteberry contains phytochemicals that may help regulate hormonal balance and reduce the risk of hormone-related breast cancer.
15. Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale): Dandelion root extract has been studied for its potential to induce apoptosis and inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells through its bioactive compounds.

These herbs and phytonutrients have been investigated in preclinical studies and some clinical trials for their potential role in preventing and treating breast cancer. However, it’s important to note that while these natural compounds show promise, more research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action and potential interactions with conventional treatments.

Certainly! Here are the top 15 vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and proteins that can help prevent and treat breast cancer, along with their recommended dosages and food sources:

1. Vitamin A: This vitamin is important for the health of your cells and tissues, and it can help prevent breast cancer. Food sources include sweet potatoes, carrots, dark leafy greens, and liver. Recommended dosage: 700-800 mcg/day.
2. Vitamin D: This vitamin is important for bone health and has been shown to have anti-cancer properties. Food sources include fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and sunlight exposure. Recommended dosage: 1,000-2,000 IU/day.
3. Vitamin E: This vitamin is an antioxidant that can help protect cells from damage and reduce the risk of cancer. Food sources include nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. Recommended dosage: 400-800 IU/day.
4. Vitamin K: This vitamin is important for blood clotting and bone health, and it may also help reduce the risk of cancer. Food sources include leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, and fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi. Recommended dosage: 90 mcg/day for women.
5. Calcium: This mineral is important for bone health and may also help reduce the risk of cancer. Food sources include dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified plant-based milk. Recommended dosage: 1,000-1,200 mg/day.
6. Iron: This mineral is important for healthy red blood cells and may also help reduce the risk of cancer. Food sources include red meat, poultry, fish, beans, and fortified cereals. Recommended dosage: 18 mg/day for premenopausal women, 8 mg/day for postmenopausal women.
7. Zinc: This mineral is important for immune function and may also help reduce the risk of cancer. Food sources include red meat, poultry, seafood, beans, and nuts. Recommended dosage: 8-11 mg/day for women.
8. Omega-3 fatty acids: These healthy fats can help reduce inflammation and may also help reduce the risk of cancer. Food sources include fatty fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. Recommended dosage: 1,000-2,000 mg/day.
9. Probiotics: These beneficial bacteria can help support immune function and may also help reduce the risk of cancer. Food sources include fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi. Recommended dosage: 1-2 servings/day.
10. Fiber: This nutrient can help support digestive health and may also help reduce the risk of cancer. Food sources include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Recommended dosage: 25-30 g/day.
11. Lycopene: This antioxidant is found in tomatoes and other fruits and may help reduce the risk of breast cancer. Food sources include tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit. Recommended dosage: 10-20 mg/day.
12. Selenium: This mineral is important for immune function and may also help reduce the risk of cancer. Food sources include Brazil nuts, fish, and turkey. Recommended dosage: 55 mcg/day.
13. Soy isoflavones: These compounds are found in soybeans and may help reduce the risk of breast cancer. Food sources include soy milk, tofu, and edamame. Recommended dosage: 40-60 mg/day.
14. Green tea: This beverage contains antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of cancer. Food source: Green tea. Recommended dosage: 2-3 cups/day.
15. Turmeric: This spice contains curcumin, an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of cancer. Food source: Turmeric. Recommended dosage: 1-2 tsp/day.

It’s important to note that while these nutrients and foods may help reduce the risk of breast cancer, they should not be used as a substitute for standard medical treatment. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or supplement routine.

In conclusion, a healthy diet rich in a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources can help support overall health and reduce the risk of breast cancer. Additionally, certain vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats may also be beneficial in preventing and treating breast cancer. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or supplement routine.

As Dr. Michael Wald, the Blood Detective, I approach health and wellness in a unique way. My Blood Detective approach involves comparing individuals to healthy test ranges rather than just average or clinical lab test ranges. This approach allows for a more personalized and comprehensive understanding of an individual’s health status.

By comparing individuals to healthy test ranges rather than average or clinical lab test ranges, I aim to provide a more accurate assessment of their health. This personalized approach takes into account each person’s unique biochemistry and physiological makeup, allowing for targeted interventions and treatments that are tailored to their specific needs.

When it comes to interpreting blood tests, many healthcare providers rely on standard reference ranges provided by clinical laboratories. However, these ranges are often based on the average values found in the population and may not necessarily reflect optimal health. By using healthy test ranges as a benchmark, I can identify subtle imbalances and deviations that may indicate underlying health issues or potential risks for disease development.

My approach involves looking at a wide range of biomarkers beyond the traditional markers included in routine blood tests. By examining factors such as nutrient levels, hormone balance, inflammation markers, oxidative stress indicators, and genetic predispositions, I can gain a more comprehensive understanding of an individual’s health status.

Furthermore, my Blood Detective approach emphasizes the importance of functional medicine principles, which focus on addressing the root causes of health problems rather than just managing symptoms. By identifying imbalances early on and implementing targeted interventions through personalized nutrition, lifestyle modifications, and targeted supplementation, I aim to optimize overall health and well-being.