As of today, breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, affecting both women and men, although it occurs significantly less frequently in men. It’s worth noting that in Canada, preventive screenings are only conducted for women aged 50 to 75. In men, breast cancer is typically detected either incidentally or when symptoms are reported. Let’s take Canadian statistics as an example. Here are some figures:
- Breast cancer accounts for 25% of all cancer cases in the country.
- On average, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime, and 1 in 33 will die from breast cancer.
- 83% of breast cancer cases occur after the age of 50.
- 82% of breast cancer cases in women are diagnosed at early stages (I and II).
- Breast cancer ranks second in terms of mortality rates after lung cancer.
- Mortality largely depends on the stage of cancer; in 2020, it accounted for an average of 13% of all deaths related to cancer, regardless of the stage.
- After a breast cancer diagnosis, 88% of women and 80% of men survive for at least 5 years.
- Only 5-10% of all breast cancer cases are linked to hereditary genetic mutations (BRCA1 and BRCA2).
Furthermore, American statistics, which are somewhat better than Canadian statistics overall, show a continuous 0.5% annual increase in breast cancer incidence in recent years.
As these figures and studies indicate, genetics have a relatively small influence on the overall occurrence of breast cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to pay more attention to well-established risk factors, most of which have logical explanations. These factors are typically divided into those that can be modified and those that cannot.
What We Cannot Change
- Family predisposition to breast cancer, referring only to close relatives who have had the disease: mothers, sisters, daughters diagnosed before menopause, or those with known genetic mutations (BRCA1 or BRCA2).
- Belonging to specific ethnic groups. These statistics vary depending on the country and are strongly correlated with the socioeconomic status of these populations.
- If cancer has been previously diagnosed (recurrence).
- If you have never given birth or had your first child after the age of 30.
- If menstruation started too early (before the age of 12) or ended too late (after age 55).
- Use of hormonal therapy or contraceptives, primarily referring to estrogen, which is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer.
- Exposure to radiation.
Now, Factors We Can Change
- Shedding excess weight, especially around the abdomen, as it can produce excess estrogen on its own, which is known to increase the risk of breast cancer. Weight loss can be achieved through intermittent fasting.
- Smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke, which increases the risk of breast cancer by significantly burdening the immune system and causing oxidative stress.
- A healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits and non-starchy vegetables (5-10 servings daily) benefits everyone and has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
- Reducing red meat consumption, especially when grilled or smoked. Try to trim excess fat from meat as well.
- Research shows that marinating meat for at least 20 minutes can reduce the formation of carcinogens by 90%. Lemon juice or balsamic vinegar can be used as marinades.
- Reducing alcohol consumption is always beneficial, regardless of the type or amount of alcohol consumed. Recent studies have shown that there is no benefit to any form or quantity of alcohol.
- Increasing levels of physical activity not only reduces the risk of breast cancer but also other types of cancer, such as ovarian cancer. This is because it reduces insulin resistance.
- Spending more time in the sun is also recommended, but to produce vitamin D, you must be in the sun without sunscreen. Alternatively, you can take high-quality vitamin D supplements. Sun exposure can also increase the risk of skin cancer, and in northern latitudes, sunlight may be insufficient for adequate vitamin D production for much of the year.
- Minimizing the use of toxic substances in all areas of your life. Your immune system has to perform multiple functions: protecting against toxins, defending against infections, and intercepting cancer cells that constantly form in the body. This is an official recommendation from Canadian experts, without further elaboration, though it can be challenging to implement.
Now, Factors That Are Not Proven But Have Conflicting Research
What does this mean? There are studies that support both sides of these points. Additionally, not all studies are currently published because decisions about publication are made by those who funded the research. Furthermore, studies are often commissioned by those who want to obtain specific results. So here are the points:
- The use of aluminum-containing antiperspirants, which block sweat and can be associated with breast cancer. Aluminum can enter the body through other means, such as air or food, but it is readily absorbed through the skin. How would it block sweat? What the research that supported this hypothesis showed is a higher accumulation of aluminum in breast tissue in individuals diagnosed with breast cancer. This is logical because the lymphatic system transports toxins from the armpit region to the breast area.
- Bisphenol A (BPA) plastic has been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer. This is why BPA-containing water bottles are not allowed for sale in Canada. However, let’s reason logically: many plastics behave in the body as estrogens, and estrogen is known to increase the risk of breast cancer. If you want to reduce your risk, it’s better to avoid plastic coming into contact with your food.
- Toxic cleaning agents often contain carcinogens. Try transitioning to safer household products.
- Minimize the consumption of refined sugar and processed foods, not so much because sugar is directly consumed by cancer cells, but because it is more likely to lead to excess weight and the production of estrogen by fat tissues.
What else, in my opinion, may influence, besides everything mentioned above:
- Methylation – a crucial process directly related to the production of the essential antioxidant glutathione. Glutathione is needed to detoxify toxins, and an excess of toxins in tissues is often associated with the development of cancer. However, individual testing is necessary here. You need to know your methylation status to individually tailor corrective supplements because excessive methylation is also linked to a higher risk of cancer.
- Adequate folate intake in the diet is extremely important. Nevertheless, there are already studies showing that excess unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) in the body increases the risk of breast cancer. If that’s the case, I’ll explain where this excess comes from next time.
- The link between mold exposure and breast cancer is a subject of active research and is not fully understood yet. However, there are theories and data that may indicate a possible connection between mold exposure and an increased risk of breast cancer. Mold can produce mycotoxins, which are toxic substances. Some studies have shown that certain mycotoxins can be carcinogenic and may be associated with the development of cancer.
What else, in my opinion, may influence, besides everything mentioned above:
- Methylation – a crucial process directly linked to the production of the main antioxidant glutathione. Glutathione is needed to detoxify toxins, and an excess of toxins in tissues is often associated with the development of cancer. However, individual testing is necessary to know your methylation status and choose corrective supplements tailored to your needs. Excessive methylation is also linked to a higher risk of cancer (source).
- Adequate intake of folates in the diet is crucial. However, studies show that an excess of unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) in the body increases the risk of breast cancer (source). In the next discussion, I will explain where this excess comes from.
- The link between mold intoxication and breast cancer is actively researched and not completely clear. There are theories and data suggesting a possible connection between mold exposure and an increased risk of breast cancer. Mold can produce mycotoxins, which are toxic substances. Some studies indicate that certain mycotoxins can be carcinogenic and have a link to cancer development.