Women's Health Clinic | Toronto Natural Health | Naturopathic Medicine | Natural Fertility | Annapurna Naturopathic Clinic

Introduction

"Breast Cancer Recovery Program" or (BCRP) is a highly structured and scientific approach that equally supports women who are either currently undergoing conventional breast cancer treatment or who have undergone treatment in the past. Ideal for reducing current and long term effects of chemo, radiation, medications (ex. tamoxifan, hot flashes) and surgery (lymphedema). Prevention of recurrence by examining risk factors and lifestyle including estrogen dominance, toxicity, stress hormones, immune dysfunction and nutrition. Breast cancer survivors are strongly recommended to undergo the program. Overall, the program promotes prevention, increased energy/vitality, hormone balance, detoxification and nutrition.

Background

Statistics

According to the Canadian Cancer Society/National Cancer Institute of Canada (Canadian Cancer Statistics 2007):

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide and in Canada, with an estimated 22,000 Canadian women diagnosed each year.

1 in 9 women will be diagnosed with and 1 in 27 women will die of breast cancer in their lifetime.

An estimated 162,600 Canadian women alive today, about 1.0% of the female population are survivors of breast cancer, diagnosed within the past 15 years.

Highest breast cancer rates are in Canada, the United States, northern Europe and Australia, while regions of Asia, Latin America and Africa have significantly lower rates (about 1/3 those in Canada).

Risk factors for breast cancer

Reproductive/hormonal
Fewer births
Later age at first full-term pregnancy
Did not breastfeed
Early age at menarche
Irregular menses
Late menopause
Use of exogenous hormones (e.g., oral contraceptives, combined hormone therapy)
Lifestyle
Obesity (post-menopausal breast cancer)
Physical inactivity
Alcohol consumption

Other

Family history of breast cancer
BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations
Ionizing radiation (medical or occupational exposure)
Benign breast disease

Adapted from Cancer in Young Adults in Canada (p. 80), Cancer Care Ontario

Based on current knowledge, the best opportunities for reducing breast cancer risk are eating a healthy diet and being physically active throughout life (thereby maintaining a healthy body weight), minimizing alcohol consumption and avoiding non-essential hormones.

The Program

The program consists of an introductory visit followed by 7 visits. The spacing of the visits may vary to complete the program in a total of 20 weeks, or it can be spread out at a slower pace depending on patient needs. A total of 9 visit hours are provided. Phone consultations are also available providing the patient has completed an in-clinic first appointment and physical examination.

Program Break-Down

1/2 hour introductory visit
Discuss program, give a handout package, discuss fees and commitments, release of records forms for lab results before 1st visit; give registration form and intake form.

Initial visit - 2 hours, RISK FACTORS
Includes physical exam
Evaluate risk factors and causes of breast cancer (includes family history, emotional history, environmental toxins, medications, hormonal health)
Breast exam + give breast map and explain how to do self-exam each month
Introduce dietary changes recommended - starting with foods to add
Recommend local support groups if needed
Homework - timeline of health history; diet changes; keep basal body temperature chart (part of thyroid evaluation); diet diary

Second visit (2 weeks later) - 1 1/2 hours - HORMONES
Presentation of detailed treatment plan based on first visit and lab test evaluation
Hormonal testing if > 6 mo. post treatment (will be delayed if sooner) - estrogens, adrenal hormones, thyroid, melatonin
Detailed, personalized diet plan + review of diet diary
Supplement recommendations
Review all risk factors present and discuss ways to change them
Introducing breathing exercises and relaxation - suggest guided imagery or meditation

Third visit (3-5 weeks later) - 1 hour - DIET AND DIGESTION
Assess progress with dietary recommendations so far
Give more info on specific foods to incorporate and why-for example brassica vegetables, green tea, turmeric, omega-3
Discuss alkaline diet and how to alkalinize the body - assess pH
Look at digestion - stomach, bowels, poor absorption, yeast or parasites
Cookbook suggestions for vegetarian diet
Fibre - goal of 30g+ daily - how is this done?
Fats - healthy fats, why to avoid others, cooking with oils
Water - filters, reverse osmosis, quantity

Fourth visit (3-5 weeks later) - 1 hour - DETOXIFICATION
Educate patient on detoxification - skin, liver, lymph, kidneys, bowel
Recommend sauna protocol
Supplements to support detoxification
Yeast or parasite cleanse needed?

Fifth visit (4-6 weeks later) - 1 hour - IMMUNE SYSTEM
Education - lymphatic system and immune system
Recommendations: breathing, exercise, lymph support, lymph massage, breast massage, rebounding, discuss bra wearing, dry skin brushing, alternating hot / cold
Visualizing a healthy immune system
Review progress on other aspects of the program

Sixth visit (4-6 weeks later) - 1 hour - PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS
Explore issues around family, nurturing, abandonment, guilt, loss, sexuality, separation, intimacy, anger, assertiveness
Look at events / traumas, emotions leading up to breast cancer diagnosis
Recommend counseling, Reiki, mindfulness meditation as needed
Look at beliefs - limiting vs. healthy beliefs
Homeopathics and flower essences to help at the emotional level

Seventh visit (4-6 weeks later) - 1 hour - PROGRAM INTEGRATION
Review each section of the program, and create a maintenance program
Diet, Digestion, Immune system, Lymphatics, Emotions, Detoxification, Hormones
Set dates for follow-up testing, clinical breast examination, thermography, ongoing saunas, review supplement plan

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