Breast cancer

During the GA on April 1st in Le Mans, we had the pleasure and honor of welcoming Dr. Shahid Nasim, oncologist, who gave us a lecture on breast cancer. I would like to thank Dr. Nasim for his lecture and for his article announced by Emilie Barrère, in her summary included in the report of the GA, published in SV n°103 of June. Roger Castell.

Breast cancer is the most common and most frequently diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. One in eight women in France is currently affected by this cancer, and this figure could double within twenty years despite advances in technology and early detection. Breast cancer develops in three-quarters of cases in women over 50, and 95% of cases originate from the epithelial cells of the mammary gland: this is known as adenocarcinoma.

breast anatomy

The breasts, symbols of seduction and femininity par excellence, are a very sensitive and fragile part of the body. The breasts begin to develop in the womb a few weeks after the embryo is formed. In the sixth month of pregnancy, some cells grow to become the baby's nipples. In girls, most of the time, the breasts are formed between the ages of 8 and 11, but even when they are fully developed, they cannot produce milk at this age. During pregnancy, the breasts increase in size and become twice as heavy. They weigh on average between 150 and 400 g but can sometimes reach 1 kg. At menopause, the volume of the breasts decreases. The inside of the breast is made up of blood vessels, nerves, glands, fat cells and milk ducts that serve to transport milk to the nipple. Breast tissues are influenced by hormones (estrogen and progesterone) produced by women in varying quantities throughout their lives (puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding, etc.).

Risk factors

To date, many elements of our daily lives have been suspected of increasing the risk of one day developing breast cancer. The main ones are:

– the presence of certain genes with a mutation of the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes;

– the precocity of the first menses before the age of 12, a late first pregnancy after the age of 35 and the absence of pregnancy are important risk factors;

– alcohol, smoking and excessive consumption of calories (fats, desserts, fatty and bloody meats), increase the danger, as does the absence of physical activity;

– hormone replacement therapy (estrogen and progesterone) slightly increases the risk after 5 years of treatment, as well as oral contraceptives, if taken for several years.

Symptoms and complications

The first commonly observed symptom of breast cancer is the presence of a lump in the breast. Usually painless, this lump may be accompanied by hard lymph nodes in the armpit (axillary lymph nodes), indicating the spread of the cancer, but these nodes remain painless. Other symptoms include nipple discharge, breast pain, an inverted nipple, and thickening, hardening, or reddening of the breast skin. When a tumor develops in the milk ducts, the size and shape of the breast may change. Additionally, the nipple may retract, or the skin may shrink, resulting in dimpling. Metastasis occurs when cells from a tumor break away and travel to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic vessels. The affected tissues often include the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, bones, brain, and skin. By the time metastases are discovered, the cancer has likely already spread to other areas, even if these tumors are not detected.

Medical diagnosis

A preliminary clinical diagnosis must be made by your doctor through breast palpation. To confirm and refine the diagnosis, they may then prescribe a bilateral mammogram, followed by a biological analysis of the tumor. X-rays of both breasts allow visualization of the mass, a biopsy confirms the presence of cancer cells, and if necessary, an ultrasound can determine, for example, whether the lump is a fluid-filled cyst or a solid tumor. Early detection of breast cancer reduces the likelihood of the cancer spreading and increases the chances of a complete cure.

Medical treatments

The classic treatment combines surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

A mastectomy involves the complete removal of the mammary gland, while sparing the pectoral muscles. A lumpectomy, a less invasive surgery, involves removing the tumor while preserving as much of the mammary gland as possible. It is performed in 75% of cases. The sentinel lymph node biopsy technique now makes it possible to avoid removing all the lymph nodes in the area if they are not affected. In the case of tumors smaller than 2 cm, the surgeon removes the sentinel lymph node at the same time as the tumor.

Radiation therapy is almost always part of the treatment protocol for breast cancer, particularly after breast-conserving surgery. The goal is to destroy, through targeted radiation, any cancer cells that may remain in the breast. Side effects include skin redness and fatigue.

– Chemotherapy administered by injection reduces the growth of cancer cells, but its common side effects include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and infections.

Finally, hormone therapy also helps stop the growth of cancer cells and can be used for up to five years in women. Hot flashes and irregular periods are among the common side effects of hormone therapy. Biological therapy reduces the growth of cancer cells and helps the body destroy these cells; targeted therapies are generally used as a complement to the treatment protocol for breast cancer patients.

Preventive hygiene

Physical activity reduces the risk of developing cancer and also decreases the risk of recurrence after breast cancer. It is estimated that 3 hours of physical activity per week reduces these risks by 20%. Patients who have been treated for breast cancer often experience significant fatigue, even several months after the end of treatment. However, unlike typical fatigue, physical activity helps them regain energy. When a patient has undergone axillary lymph node dissection (removal of the lymph nodes closest to the tumor), she is at risk of developing lymphedema (swelling of the arm). This painful, debilitating, and unsightly condition is reduced by physical activity. Given the risks associated with the use of any medication, the decision to use preventive treatment should only be made after a thorough examination of the risks and benefits of the treatment in question.

You can take other steps to reduce your risk of breast cancer, including eating a healthy diet low in fat and rich in fruits and vegetables, engaging in regular physical activity, not smoking, limiting alcohol consumption (to no more than one drink per day), and being mindful of the risks associated with hormone therapy (especially if it lasts more than 5 years). Between the ages of 40 and 49, women should discuss breast cancer risks and screening options with their doctor. These measures can help detect any unusual lumps or abnormalities in breast tissue, as early detection greatly influences the success of treatment.

Products promoting prevention

Our immune system generally tries to fight abnormal cancer cells, but since this reaction is sometimes insufficient to stop the tumor's development, 12 superfoods can help neutralize this danger.

1. Mushrooms. Recent studies have shown that their consumption may reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in premenopausal women, as they contain an antioxidant called L-ergotinine which is believed to have anti-cancer properties.

2. Garlic contains highly active fat-soluble and water-soluble sulfur compounds.

3. Broccoli sprouts. Broccoli has a role in cancer prevention because its sprouts resemble soy sprouts, but are finer and very rich in anti-cancer compounds like glucoraphanin. Many experts consider these sprouts an excellent source of detoxifying enzymes that protect cells against cancer.

4. Pomegranate seeds. Pomegranates provide large amounts of vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, and a wide range of B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9). Their properties also help combat high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. It has long been known that pomegranate seeds have a high content of cancer-fighting antioxidants. These small, crunchy seeds are rich in ellagic tannins, a particularly effective antioxidant that may help prevent the development of breast cancer. Furthermore, the arils (the fleshy coverings around a seed) may also improve heart health. But keep in mind that pomegranates have a high natural sugar content, so limit yourself to half a fruit or a glass of juice per day.

5. Lentils . Recent studies link lentils and other legumes (e.g., beans) to a drastic reduction in the risk of developing breast cancer in women. Lentils, like other legumes, are high in folate, fiber, and nutrients that allow our bodies to function efficiently.

6. Nuts. They are rich in several compounds that are excellent for health, including Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and plant sterols, which can prevent or slow the development of cancer cells.

7. Salmon. Wild salmon is considered a superfood due to its high content of Omega-3 fatty acids, which drastically reduce the risk of heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. But did you know that salmon also contains large amounts of vitamin D, the "sunshine vitamin," which can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in women by about 25%?

8. Rye bread. Many health experts warn us against consuming too many carbohydrates like bread and cereals. But rye bread combines fiber, vitamins, minerals, and a phytonutrient called phytic acid, a healthy compound that fights cancer. The key is to choose rye bread made with rye flour, not wheat flour.

9. Turmeric. In Asia, turmeric has been used for centuries for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-infective properties. Turmeric is believed to slow the development of several types of cancer. When combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, turmeric may promote cell destruction and reduce the formation of metastases as well as the toxicity of treatments (particularly skin damage caused by radiotherapy during breast cancer).

10. Selenium. This valuable trace element helps prevent cancer and reduces the side effects of treatments (radiotherapy and chemotherapy). It has an antioxidant effect, strengthening the immune system and blocking oxygen free radicals. This enzyme works in conjunction with vitamins C and E to protect cell membranes against oxidation, which leads to premature aging. Selenium is found in organ meats, egg yolks, shellfish, seafood, oilseeds (Brazil nuts, hazelnuts), brewer's yeast, and cereals.

11. Green tea. Green tea contains a powerful nutrient known as epigallocatechin, or EGCG. In short, this nutrient is the main polyphenol (a family of organic molecules found in plants) in green tea. This polyphenol, which makes up more than 50% of green tea, is a potent antioxidant. A study published in April 2010 on cancer prevention confirmed that EGCG can inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

12. Nigella or black cumin oil. This exceptionally rich oil contains glucosides, phenolic compounds, carotene, minerals (phosphorus and iron), enzymes, and essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid). Its composition helps strengthen the immune system, combat digestive problems, reduce cell membrane oxidation, and inhibit the formation of inflammatory molecules. It is a treasure trove of health benefits.

Unity is strength

Three years ago, I created my product, Curcumisan Plus, which contains fermented turmeric, pomegranate, olive, and black cumin. After several years of trials with my patients, I added lemon (rich in vitamin C) following the recommendation of Roger Castell, president of ABE France, who had measured my product using bioelectronics. The results indicated that this natural product, "highly revitalizing, antioxidant, and mineralizing," is a restorer of the body's internal environment, as it acts on the three parameters of Vincent's Bioelectronics (pH, rH2, and resistivity). Because it has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-infective properties, I strongly advise you to take Curcumisan Plus as a preventative measure to avoid serious illnesses. According to Dr. R. Béliveau in his book, *The Anti-Cancer Method*, turmeric is the best example among anti-cancer products.

Ladies, protect your breasts

Cancer is a formidable enemy that must be fought using all available resources, both preventative and curative. Although the disease affects approximately one in three people worldwide and in Western countries, I hope that cancer will soon be considered a disease of the past. Already, our knowledge of cancer is very extensive, and we are gaining a better understanding of its onset and progression. We now know that this rather aggressive and non-genetic disease is linked to an enzymatic disorder. Therefore, everyone (women and men) should feel concerned and ask themselves, "How can I preserve my long-term health?" Because health depends primarily on our nutrition, which plays a significant role in the risk of developing this malignant condition. To protect themselves, women (and men) should first reduce their calorie intake (desserts, fatty meats, alcoholic beverages) by half and replace them with seasonal fruits and vegetables. This, ladies, is how you will effectively protect the beauty and health of your breasts.

References – Health at home: • https://curie.fr/ • http://www.cancer.be/complementsalimentaires/curcuma • https://blognutritionsante.com/ 2010/06/17/9-raisons-de-boire-duthe-vert/ – The Anti-Cancer Method, Dr. R. Béliveau, Dr. D. Gingras, Flammarion Edition. – Breast Cancer, Prof. Mike Dixon, Modus Vivendi Edition.

Notes: • A book on cancer written by Dr. Nasim is nearing completion. We will present this work upon its publication. • See page 35 for a suggested course of treatment with CURCUMISAN PLUS, an antioxidant created by Dr. Nasim.