Oct 2, 2006

Prevent Breast Cancer Today!

Scottsdale, AZ (Oct. 2, 2006) - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In essence, this month means acknowledging those who have been affected by breast cancer and working forward towards a cure. While we await a cure, prevention of breast cancer is the utmost priority.  The Naturopathic physicians at Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center focus on natural prevention, education, and healing. Luckily, there is much hope offered in natural medicine.

Dr. Jennifer Nevels, Chair of the Integrated Women’s Medicine Department at Southwest College specializes in Women’s Medicine in her practice. Dr. Nevels helps women prevent and heal breast cancer utilizing not only botanical medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, nutrition, and counseling, but also working with the most current research in the field. Nevels states, “Estrogen has long been the subject of special focus and an increasing number of studies are providing further insights into the relationship between breast cancers and estrogen metabolism. The pathways in which estrogens are metabolized and ultimately how they can impact a woman’s risk for breast cancer is very important.”

Dr. Nevels explains how estrogen works within the female body. There are two main pathways that estrogens can be broken down or metabolized into, 2-hydroxyestrogens (2OH) and the 16-alphahydroxyestrogens (16OH). Research shows that 2OH has an anti-proliferate or inhibitory effect on breast tissue where as the 16OH has proliferate or stimulatory action on breast tissue.

The ratio of 2OH to 16OH seems to be significant.  Dr. Nevels states, “There is a strong link through research suggesting that when measuring these metabolites in menopausal women, those who have a low 2OH:16OH have a higher risk for breast cancer.” She goes on further to say that there is good news, “The 2OH pathway is inducible by certain dietary interventions giving us the ability to increase the 2OH:16OH ratio thereby decreasing their risk of breast cancer.”

Naturally occurring phytochemicals, such as Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), and one of its metabolites, Di-indole-methane (DIM) are found in cruciferous vegetables.  I3C converts into DIM from the acidity in the stomach. DIM has been shown to have an anti-breast cancer effect not only by inducing the 2OH pathway, but by causing apoptosis (cell death) of abnormal cells. Other important nutrients such as flax seeds, fish oils and soy have many health benefits including the ability to push the 2OH pathway.

The estrogen metabolites can be measured via a urinary test that is offered at Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center to determine if you are processing your hormones optimally.

To schedule an appointment or consultation at Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center, please call 480.970.0000.

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About Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine

Located in Tempe, Ariz., and founded in 1993, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences is a non-profit, accredited higher learning institution. It offers a four-year medical program that trains students to become primary care physicians. Naturopathic medicine emphasizes the body’s innate ability to self-heal. It draws on a rich history of natural, nontoxic therapies in combination with current medical advances. The scope of practice includes all aspects of family and primary care using integrative modalities such as acupuncture, homeopathy, clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, manipulation, and pharmacology.