Breast Cancer Prevention with Supplements
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Introduction
Breast cancer like cancers in other tissues, is a line of cells in the breast multiplying without the normal controls. Breast cancer occurs for many different reasons. There are genetic, hormonal, physiological and environmental factors that lead to cancer. One of the inducers of cancer is excessive levels of metabolites of estrogen.
The Estrogen Factor
Estrogen is made primarily in the ovaries and it is metabolized in the liver by certain enzymes (cytochrome P450 enzymes). The phase 1 enzymes put an OH group on different places on the estrogen molecule. If the OH group goes on the fourth or 16th carbon, these are more active estrogens and may lead to the development of cancer. If the OH group is on the second carbon, it is a safer estrogen metabolite. Certain strategies in diet and supplements can lead to more of the favourable form of estrogen (the 2OH form). These include using ground flaxseed, soy isoflavones (a supplement) and indole-3- carbinol found in cruciferous veggies or as a supplement.
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Diet and Lifestyle
The basis of any breast cancer prevention strategy always begins with the basics of a healthy diet and lifestyle. Eating healthy soy products from a young age (starting in teenage years and the 20s) such as tempeh, miso and cooked soy beans are helpful. This is also likely true if you did not start at a young age. Soy products have isoflavones which are biochemicals that may block enzymes that promote tumor growth. Limiting saturated fats is important. Eating foods from the cruciferous family (broccoli, kale, cabbage, brussel sprout, cauliflower, etc.) is helpful because of the phytochemicals that help keep your DNA healthy and that help the biotransformation of estrogen into more favourable forms. Using ground flax (at least two tablespoons per day) may also be helpful. You can add this to cereal or a smoothie. It is also important to be regular with your bowel health and have one to two bowel movements per day. Constipation can lead to problems with getting the estrogen that has been “packaged by biotransformation” out of your body and may lead to recycling of unfavourable estrogen.
Regular aerobic exercise is also important for breast as well as colon cancer prevention. Exercise regularly as studies have shown an inverse relationship between aerobic exercise and breast cancer in both pre- and post-menopause stages.
Supplements
Supplements for breast cancer prevention may work with a number of different mechanisms. They may protect the breast cells DNA, may improve and facilitate biotransformation of estrogen to eliminate it from the body or may improve the ratio of the 2 hydroxy estrone to the 16 hydroxy estrone.
Drink Green Tea
Green tea may protect DNA by it ability to quench free radicals. It is recommended for both a general cancer prevention program and for the prevention of breast cancer. It is also safe and may be helpful in a woman that presently has or is in remission from breast cancer. You can drink two to three cups of green tea each day or you can take green tea supplements.
Modulate Your Estrogen Transformation
The metabolites of estrogen can promote cancer in higher levels so, in general, it is better to have less of the 16 hydroxy and more of the two hydroxy estrone molecules. This may be augmented with cruciferous veggies, but can also be maximized with two supplements: indole-3-carbinol and DIM (Diindolylmethane). The supplement calcium D glucarate may also be helpful in aiding the biotransformation of estrogen. It is important to note that there are no long-term clinical trials that have studied these three supplements in their ability to prevent breast cancer in large populations of woman. There is excellent information from animal studies and biochemistry studies that indicate that they would be helpful.
Calcium D Glucarate
Glucaric acid is a naturally occurring substance that is found in some citrus fruits as well as found in the cruciferous veggie family. When bound to calcium it forms calcium D glucarate. Glucuronic acid is used in the liver to help biotransform estrogen to get it out of the body via the bile. An enzyme in the intestine may break this bond down and allow estrogen to get reabsorbed and build up to harmful levels. This is worse in the setting of constipation. It can be prevented with good bowel habits and if the glucuronic acid is in the form of calcium D-glucarate which can be done with taking it as a supplement either separately or as part of a supplement that supports phase two detoxification pathways in the liver.
Indole 3 Carbinol (I3C)
I3C is found in cruciferous veggies and it is important to eat one to two servings of these veggies per day. They have been found to aid in conversion of estrogen to the more favourable 2OH form. It may have other effects in regard to inhibiting cancer cells when they develop. You can get it as a supplement and may take 200 to 300 mg per day.
DIM
DIM (Diindolylmethane) is a major active metabolite of indole-3-carbinol. Approximately 10 to 20% of the I3C is converted to DIM. A typical diet can include two 20 mg of DIM. Researchers have been interested in DIM due to its potential activity against breast cancer cells. DIM may have effects on estrogen receptors and breast cancer cells. Some natural medicine experts will advocate taking DIM for breast cancer prevention in doses of 100 to 200 mg per day.
Conclusion
For breast cancer prevention, regular aerobic exercise and eating a healthy diet (especially eating cruciferous veggies and limiting saturated fats) is most important. Incorporate green tea as your hot drink of choice. In addition, you can supplement with calcium D glucarate as well as I3C or DIM, especially if you have a strong family history of breast cancer or simply wish to do whatever you can to prevent breast cancer.
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