I never imagined it would happen again….discovering that suspicious lump and facing another healing journey. But once I got over the initial shock and disappointment and got centered, I innately knew why I was dealing with breast cancer for a second time.
A recurrence of breast cancer is a fear that lingers in the background for many women who have been diagnosed. But once you understand the mechanisms and reasons for the recurrence, there need not be any fear, because you can stop it in its tracks.
The Statistics Around Breast Cancer Recurrence
The statistics can certainly make one wonder about a recurrence. Five to 15 % of those who use conventional treatments for Breast Cancer only will experience a recurrence within 5 years of the original diagnosis. Ten percent of women will experience recurrence within five to 20 years.
Breast Cancer a second time around is often more aggressive than the first time. Recurrence can also manifest as other kinds of cancer [1], especially lymph node, bone, liver or lung cancer.
It doesn’t have to be this way, however. The first step to making sure that cancer recurrence doesn’t happen to you is addressing the root cause with The 7 Essentials System and understanding the role of breast cancer stem cells.
How Breast Cancer Stem Cells Play a Part in Recurrence
Conventional cancer treatments are designed to remove the bulk of visible tumors and destroy remaining cancer cells through the use of various drugs. These conventional treatments do not address cancer stem cells or any remaining Circulating Tumor Cells.
Stem cells [2] are like “blank slates.” They can turn into any kind of cell.
The bad news is that the body may also house cancer stem cells. These can turn into any kind of cancer cell, including Breast Cancer. Cancer stem cells can cause a tumor to grow and spread quickly to other parts of the body.
It has been documented that conventional cancer treatments may increase the probability of cancer recurrence. This is caused in large part by cancer stem cells. Research studies [3] have made the link between chemotherapy and cancer stem cells, including increased tumor growth. According to a 2012 UCLA study [4], radiation therapy can cause regular Breast Cancer cells to “reprogram” and turn into rapid-growth Breast Cancer stem cells.
According to a report put out by Stanford School of Medicine [5], “Shrinking a cancerous tumor may offer temporary relief….but it will not offer a long-term cure if the Cancer Stem Cells are not eliminated.”
Natural Substances That Inhibit Breast Cancer Stem Cells
To prevent Breast Cancer recurrence, make sure to consume foods and supplements that can suppress the growth of Breast Cancer Stems Cells [6] (BCSC).
Broccoli Sprouts
[7]Sulforaphane is a phytonutrient that is found in all cruciferous vegetables and especially in broccoli sprouts. Hundreds of studies [8] have shown that sulforaphane can activate over 200 gene-related cellular defense mechanisms which inhibit the growth of cancer cells and prevent cancer recurrence. Broccoli sprout sulforaphane can inhibit BCSCs with no side effects, induces apoptosis, decreases inflammation, and increases Natural Killer Cell activity. I recommend the 7 Essentials System™ Brocco Power [7] supplement with BroccoRaphanin™.
Turmeric
Decades of research has proven the overall healing and inflammation-lowering effect of curcumin [9] that comes from the Indian spice turmeric. When combined with peperine from black peppers, it also has the ability to inhibit cancer stem cells [10].
Fermented Soy
Organic, non-GMO, fermented soy is an isoflavone which has the ability to inhibit BCSCs. A 2013 meta-analysis [11] of over 4000 other studies concluded that “…isoflavones may have a protective effect on Breast Cancer and recurrence.” The product I recommend is the concentrated fermented soy product called Haelen 951 [12].
Ginger
Ginger [13] contains a phytonutrient called 6-shogaol that has the ability to specifically target cancer stem cells. Clinical trials [14] conducted at the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology in India found that the cytotoxic effect of ginger was 1,000 times more effective at inhibiting Breast Cancer than the common chemotherapy drug Taxol. Taxol also has little to no effect on Breast Cancer stem cells.
[15]Matcha Green Tea
Who doesn’t love a steamy cut of matcha [15]? It turns out that matcha green tea is one of the best sources of Epigallocatechin gallate [16], or EGCG. EGCG has the ability to stop Breast Cancer stem cells [17] in their tracks. EGCG is also a powerful antioxidant. Matcha green tea has 137 times more EGCG than regular green tea.
Dark Berries and Dark Chocolate (!)
You have probably heard of resveratrol as a powerful antioxidant. As it turns out, resveratrol also can suppress BCSC growth. Resveratrol can be found in deep purple fruits and vegetables (yes, like your favorite red wine [18] grapes and also blueberries [19]). It can also be found in dark chocolate. Who said you can’t have just a little fun while staying cancer-free?
Get Regular Tests for Breast Cancer Recurrence
One last step is to periodically utilize key testing mechanisms to make sure your cancer-free goals are on track.
The first test is the C Reactive Protein (CRP) [20] inflammatory marker test, which can be done easily through your primary physician. High CRP levels are a known indicator of higher cancer risk [21]. A 2009 Danish study [22] on over 10,000 people found that CRP is directly connected with “early death after a cancer diagnosis.” A 2018 Korean investigation [23] found that inflammation can stimulate the production of Breast Cancer stem cells.
Another test I recommend is the RGCC Oncotrail for Breast Cancer [24]. The Oncotrail is a personalized test that looks at your circulating tumor cells (CTCs) as well as your breast cancer stem cell count. It will also tell you which natural (and pharmaceutical) substances would help your body the most.
Finally, don’t discount breast self-exam [25] for recurrence prevention as well. A 23-year long study [26] conducted at the University of Washington found that while risky mammography [27] found lumps 43% percent of the time, “human touch” found them 56% of the time. I recommend regular breast self-exam at any stage of your healthy breast journey. Click HERE [28] to learn more.
Our Bodies Can Heal After Breast Cancer
I am constantly amazed at how many natural substances and simple healthy habits are available which can kick in immune system defenses and other cancer-busting mechanisms. What is more, these natural substances and healthy lifestyle habits come with absolutely no dangerous side effects whatsoever and may be able to stop Breast Cancer stem cells at the same time.
To learn more about healing breast cancer from some of the top integrative health doctors and healers in the world, please check out my latest online program: Survive & Thrive: Conquering Breast Cancer with Conventional Treatments and Natural Medicine [29]