October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to reflect not only on screening but also on prevention. Breast health is about more than keeping up with mammograms or any other imaging for breast cancer screening—it’s about daily choices. A growing body of research is linking environmental exposures, lifestyle, and diet to breast cancer risk. Chemicals found in plastics, household products, and cosmetics may act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with the body’s hormonal balance.

Functional medicine takes a holistic view of breast health, emphasizing hormonal balance, detoxification, inflammation control, and lifestyle modification. Key contributors to poor breast health may include chronic stress, xenoestrogens (chemicals that mimic estrogen), and a lack of nutrients essential for cell repair and detoxification.

Screening, Evaluation and Prevention

Conventional Approaches:

• Screening: Mammograms, Ultrasounds, MRI and genetic test if indicated.
• Evaluation: Clinical Breast Exam, Self Breast Exam, and imaging if applicable
• Prevention:  Lacks guidance with focus more on early detection

Naturopathic Strategies:

• Screening: Mammograms, Ultrasounds, MRI and genetic test if indicated.
• Evaluation: Clinical Breast Exam, Self Breast Exam, Mammogram, MRI,, Thermogram, 3D-Ultrasound, comprehensive hormone testing that includes urinary hormone metabolites, and BRCA genetic test if applicable. 
• Prevention: Specific recommendation on lifestyle and diet to reduce risk
  • Lifestyle
    • Regular exercise to reduce estrogen dominance
    • Using glass or stainless-steel containers instead of plastic for food and drinks
    • Avoiding BPA and phthalates found in plastics and some cosmetics
    • Using natural, aluminum free deodorant and avoiding antiperspirants
    • Avoiding underwire bras 
  • Diet:
    • Choosing organic Meats and produce to reduce intake of xenoestrogens 
    •  Decrease intake of saturated fats
    • Increase intake of Iodine containing foods 
    • Incorporating cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale to support estrogen metabolism
  • Dietary supplements:
    • Supporting liver detox pathways with supplements like DIM, calcium-d-glucarate, and milk thistle

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do hormones affect breast health ? A: Balanced hormones play an important role in maintaining healthy breasts.  The most potent hormones that have an impact on breast tissue are estrogen and progesterone.  When estrogen and progesterone are not balanced, it may have adverse effects on breast tissue health that may include:  Breast pain or tenderness, cystic or lumps, fibrocystic changes, and changes in breast size.  A comprehensive breast care program includes regular self and clinical breast exams, appropriate imaging based on your risk factors, and it should also include Hormone evaluation.

Q: How are hormone levels tested? Testing is as easy as a simple blood test,  saliva or urine. For information on hormone testing, please visit Specialized Testing page.

Q: How can plastics affect my breast health? A: Plastics can leach chemicals like BPA into your food or drinks, acting as endocrine disruptors that mimic estrogen and disrupt natural hormonal rhythms.

Q: Are Underwire bras unhealth? A: Currently there is no scientific evidence suggesting that wearing an under wire bra causes increased risk for breast cancer, but it may restrict lymphatic flow which is crucial for detoxification process.  If you don’t want to part with your underwire bra, make sure to wear a well-fitted bra or schedule a fitting session. If you need support or lift and want to avoid underwire bras, then flexible, no poke bras might be an option.  

Q: What natural products should I look for in personal care? A: Choose phthalate-free, paraben-free, and fragrance-free products.  Use the Environmental Working Group cosmetic database to check for potentially toxic chemicals in your personal products https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products

Resources

• National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF)https://www.breastcancer.org/

•  Young Survival Coalition (YSC) and Sisters Network for specific demographic support https://youngsurvival.org/

• Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition (CFAC): https://www.cancerfac.org/

• Michelles’ Place Cancer Resource Center ( local resource )  https://michellesplace.org/

At Ocean Pacific Integrative Health Center Dr. Wali, ND, provides a personalized, integrative approach to women’s breast health. Through natural hormone balancing, toxin avoidance strategies, and in-depth testing, we can help patients prevent disease and build vibrant wellness. 

Call our office today for your journey to wellness! 

Ocean Pacific Integrative Health Center
41769 Enterprise Circle North, Suite 203
Temecula, CA 92590
Phone: 760-944-9300
Fax: 888-419-8560
www.opintegrativecenter.com