Many Diagnostic and Treatment Options Available for Breast Cancer: Avoid the hype and learn the fundamentals regarding prevention and treatment, says Dr. Paul Stallone

Many people think about breast cancer quite frequently, whether it’s a cancer update or that ubiquitous little pink ribbon. There’s no denying the hype that seems to revolve around breast cancer, and while awareness is very important, some may be forgetting the fundamentals.

One of the more important facts regarding breast cancer is the chance of developing it. The scary truth is that women have a one-in-eight chance of developing breast cancer at some point in their life. Having an immediate family member, parent or sibling with cancer can increase the risk. However, having close family diagnosed with cancer isn’t necessarily a guarantee, and there are many options to lessen the possibility of developing it. Simple lifestyle changes can make a difference. For serious prevention, a naturopathic physician can contribute customized natural alternatives.

Conventional medicine argues for annual screenings via yearly mammograms, but research has shown that mammograms may not be the safest or most effective way to screen for breast cancer. Mammograms are not 100 percent accurate, so they can produce false positives. This can lead to a patient rushing into treatment and/or surgery for a cancer they don’t have. Mammograms expose the breast tissue to radiation and may cause inflammation. Radiation may increase cellular mutations that lead to cancer, and many believe inflammation can lead to many other diseases. Mammograms aren’t the only diagnostic tool that can detect breast cancer. Thermography is able to identify breast cancer before it even develops and without cancer-causing radiation and also show the early stages of angiogenesis (the blood supply to a tumor site), which is needed for the cancer to grow.

Some women may question when to see their physician, but that is going to vary, depending on the patient. Those with immediate family that have a cancer history may want to be more proactive than someone that doesn’t. Symptoms fluctuate, so no one should follow a one-size-fits-all protocol. Each person should make their own call about when to schedule an appointment, but they shouldn’t panic in the meantime, because symptoms are often indicators of other non-cancerous problems.

Some symptoms that should be evaluated and discussed with a healthcare provider include persistent breast pain or tenderness; an inverted nipple or other nipple change, like peeling or flaking; bloody or abnormal discharge from a nipple; lumps or thickening of breast tissue; abnormal breast size or shape (size can fluctuate throughout the month); texture change in skin like pitting, dimpling or indentation; and inflamed lymph nodes or tissue around the armpit.

After being diagnosed with breast cancer, there are a few items on a very important checklist that should be considered. The first thing is to seek a second opinion. Remember that false positives can be common and diagnostic interpretation is subjective. Don’t be pressured into treatment. It doesn't have to be a race. Yes, treatment should start as soon as possible, but time needs to be taken to ensure appropriate measures and treatments are administered.

Cancer patients have numerous options, which include both alternative and allopathic medicine. Natural treatments focus on supporting the immune system, detoxifying pollutants and targeting cancer cells. These goals can be accomplished by customized IV therapies that may include high-dose vitamin C, oxygen/ozone, amino acids, alpha lipoic acid, DMSO, glutathione, minerals, homeopathic remedies and several other nutrients

Some cancer patients could benefit from chelation therapy for heavy metal removal. High levels of metals and other toxins in the system contribute to the development of cancer and can encourage cancer to become more aggressive. By reducing the amount of heavy metals in the body, the immune system is allowed to focus on fighting disease and cancer. Even the right supplements can be invaluable. A naturopathic physician experienced with addressing cancer can tailor a specific program to each patient.

Many types of breast cancer are considered preventable and generally respond well to alternative treatments. A cancer diagnosis can be scary, but there’s still hope. The body has an amazing ability to heal itself. A naturopathic physician can help create a targeting environment to beat cancer and complement conventional treatments.

Paul Stallone, NMD, founded the Arizona Integrative Medical Center, located at 8144 E. Cactus Rd., Ste. 820, in Scottsdale. He combines natural/alternative/conventional treatments to best fit and benefit each individual patient’s needs. For more information, call 480-214-3922 or visit DrStallone.com.