Breast Cancer Prevention Using Homeopathy by Heather Caruso B.Sc., DHMS, HD

Breast cancer is running rampant in our society. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, 1 in 8.9 women will get breast cancer and 1 in 27 will die from it. That statistic is epidemic; almost every 9th Canadian women will get breast cancer. We need to educate women on how to do a proper breast self exam, have preventative screening and a healthy lifestyle.

There are many causal factors of breast cancer, hormone use and imbalance, dietary, environmental toxicity and heredity. Some authors such as, Louise Hay and Christine Northrup, write about the “psycho spiritual” causes of breast cancer. Some themes include a lack of nurturing (for) oneself and too much for others, and familial discord. The breasts are physically and symbolically nurturing to the family. It is difficult to be certain if emotional factors directly influence cancer development. Psychological health, in my opinion, is as important as physical health. Care for yourself and say “no” to what you don’t want. Appreciate yourself and all the gifts you bring to the world.

Rarely can one pinpoint a direct cause of cancer. There are a number of triggers for inappropriate cell growth. Wearing bras, according to the book, Dressed to Kill, the Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras, by Sydney Ross Singer and Soma Grismaijer, can contribute to cancer by restricting the lymphatic flow in the breast area. This idea is rejected by the Canadian Cancer Society, as not having scientific support. I believe that lymphatic flow aids in the elimination of toxins. If the breast is in an ill fitting bra, it will constrict lymph flow. Having properly functioning organs of elimination, (such as the lymph, intestines, liver and kidneys) aids in maintaining health in general. I recommend having your bra professionally fitted. Not only is it more comfortable, it helps with proper lymph flow and it is more visually appealing.

According to a Norway study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, (Volume 336, 1997, pages 1269-75), women who exercised regularly had 37% less incidence of breast cancer, compared to their sedentary counterparts. The active group exercised at least four hours per week.

Xenoestrogens are negative substances in our environment that contribute to estrogen excess. This bad type of estrogen leads to inappropriate cell growth in areas that are estrogen dependent, such as the breast and ovaries. Some things that are toted as being xenoestrogens are chemicals such as pesticides, preservatives in foods and plastics. Parabens in deodorants and anti-perspirants were toted as a cause of breast cancer, according to the Journal of Applied Toxicology, Volume 24, Issue1. Parabens in deodorant have been found to mimic estrogen that can promote breast cancer. Parabens can be extracted from breast tissue and has been shown to accumulate in the body. This was a small study, of only approximately 20 participants. Choose a natural deodorant from your local health food store. Rock crystal deodorant or Jason’s Naturals are a couple of good choices.

Microwaving plastic containers is said to be a xenoestrogen exposure. Health Canada's Food Directorate does an evaluation on new products to determine their safety. Use only microwave safe containers for cooking, such as glass plates and products labeled as such. Do not microwave food in storage containers, margarine tubs or anything that may melt when used. Many people don't consider what they are using to cook with in the microwave. Use only microwave safe materials for cooking.

A healthy body weight and diet is important for health and protects against breast cancer. Fat cells are said to have an estrogenic effect, by excreting estrone. The more body fat one carries, the more influence negative estrogen has in the body. Excess estrogen leads to a proliferation of abnormal cell growth in the breast tissue. According to studies, a high fat and starchy carbohydrate diet is shown to be related to breast cancer. The National Cancer Institute found that the higher intake of animal fats correlated with an increase in breast cancer. An Italian study, by S. Franchesie et al, found that a high carbohydrate diet, in the form of starches, was linked to an increase as well.

Some foods that have made news with reducing the incidence of breast cancer are cruciferous vegetables and flaxseed. Lignans in flaxseed have shown to reduce breast cancer. Ground flaxseed is said to bind up excess negative estrogen and aid in excretion via the intestinal tract. A high fiber diet is useful for binding estrogen for excretion as well.

Some other supplements that are popular for maintaining healthy breasts are Indol 3 Carbinol (I3C) and DIM. These products are made from an extract in broccoli. It aids the liver in detoxifying harmful chemicals and estrogen. Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, kale, cauliflower and brussel sprouts, carry the same properties. Vitamin B6 is also useful in helping the liver to metabolize xenoestrogens and helps to boost immunity.

Having a healthy immune system is a must for cancer prevention. The immune system continuously cleans up any wild cancer cells that are manufactured in the body. Supplements toted for aiding the immune system are vitamin A, C, selenium and zinc. The herbs garlic and astragalus are also useful. You can find these supplements at your local health food store.

If you suspect you have breast cancer or have been diagnosed before, seek the help of a professional. Get a thorough check up through your medical doctor and use a Homeopath for your natural health needs. Many Homeopathic remedies are useful in preventing breast cancer. If you have a family history of breast cancer, the nosode, Carcinosin 200CH may help. Some homeopaths recommend taking a single dose of four pellets under the tongue, to help prevent cancer.

For lumps in the breasts caused by injury, Bellis Perennis or Conium 12 or 30CH, are useful. These lumps can be found in people who have suffered an injury and the tissue becomes hardened. Occasionally, I see people in the clinic who have a suspicious mass at a site of injury. These remedies have worked well in these situations.
There are many remedies that are suited to different symptoms of the individual. If you have had breast cancer in the past, seek the help of a professional Homeopath to set you up on a regime suited to your specific needs. We have to educate our friends and family about prevention of breast cancer and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

Read another article by Heather.

Copyright Heather Caruso is a Homeopath practicing in Guelph Ontario Canada. For more information go to www.carusohomeopathy.com. Buy Heather's Book