I Think Of My Essential Oils As Supplements I’ve Been Told That Using A Topical Blend Of Frankincense Sandalwood And Lemon May Help Lower The Risk Of Recurrence What Are Your Thoughts On These Or Other Possibilities
Essential oils have been used in a variety of cultures for thousands of years, but they are fairly new in the cancer care arena. There are no studies that have examined how the use of essential oils may affect cancer risk, or risk of in people who have had the disease. Some companies that manufacture and sell essential oils claim that these products can prevent or beat cancer, but these claims are not supported by scientific evidence in humans.
These claims of effectiveness against cancer are based largely on what is known as anecdotal evidence, plus some laboratory studies in cells . Unfortunately, anecdotal reports by people cannot be verified, so there is no way to determine if the person making the report is an actual patient who had a positive experience with the essential oil. studies are an important starting point in cancer research, but they are not a good way to know if the being tested will actually work in humans. Cancer cells can behave very differently in a test tube than they would behave inside of a human body.
The study authors felt that the gynecomastia occurred because of the possible weak estrogenic and antiandrogenic activities of lavender and tea tree oils. Avoiding these two essential oils is recommended in patients with -dependent tumors.
The Best Diet For Her2 Positive Breast Cancer
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The Best Diet For HER2 Positive Breast Cancer
Continuing my series of articles on dietary recommendations for particular types of breast cancer, this one is for those of you who have been diagnosed with HER2 Positive breast cancer.
What Exactly is HER2 Positive Breast Cancer?
HER2 positive refers to a type of breast cancer that overexpresses the HER2/neu gene. About 15-20% of breast cancers are HER2+, meaning the cancer is fueled by over-production of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 protein. HER2+ breast cancers contain excess copies of this gene, leading to dramatically more HER2 protein on the surface of cancer cells. Because of this protein, which produces signals that tell the cells to grow, they do so out of control, causing this form of breast cancer.
Many women are told that a HER2+ diagnosis is associated with a significantly higher chance of local breast cancer recurrence . Before the late 1990s, women with HER2+ breast cancer had poorer survival rates. Today, however, because of targeted therapies like Herceptin, this is no longer the case and it is a much more treatable disease. Herceptin works by attaching to HER2 receptors on cancer cells, blocking signals that cause growth, and alerting the immune system to destroy the cancer.
Can Diet Make A Difference?
Please know that there are plenty of things you can eat and supplements you can take which will make a big difference for you and will assist your return to wellness.
Is The Best Diet For Triple
As mentioned, these hormone receptors, as well as HER2, are proteins. However, please note that this does not imply any association with our protein intake.
However, because of their chemical characteristics, they seem to make a difference in the biology of the tumour. It also seems that eating, or avoiding, specific foods or ingredients could affect how this particular breast cancer type evolves. Similar research is investigating potential links with vitamins and supplements as well.
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Who May Not Be Able To Have Herceptin
Herceptin should not be used to treat people with breast, oesophageal or stomach cancer that is not HER2 positive.
It may also not be suitable if:
- you have a pre-existing heart condition, such as heart failure, severe angina or a problem with your heart valves
- you have poorly controlled high blood pressure
- you’re pregnant
- you’re breastfeeding
Avoid becoming pregnant while taking herceptin and for at least 7 months after treatment stops, as it could harm your developing baby.
Also avoid breastfeeding until at least 7 months after treatment stops, as the medicine can enter breast milk and may be harmful for babies.
Survival Rates And Statistics
A relative survival rate helps give an idea of how long a person with a particular condition will live after receiving a diagnosis compared with those without the condition.
For example, if the 5-year relative survival rate is 70%, it means that a person with the condition is 70% as likely to live for 5 years as someone without the condition.
It is important to remember that these figures are estimates. A person can talk with a doctor about how their condition is likely to affect them.
Some factors affecting a personâs survival rate with breast cancer include:
- individual factors, such as the personâs age and overall health
- the stage of the cancer at diagnosis
- the treatment the person receives
HER2-positive cancers are than HER2-negative cancers. With treatment, however, the chances of survival are high, especially with an early diagnosis. In some cases, they may be higher than for HER2-negative breast cancer due to effective targeted treatment.
According to the , the likelihood of living for another 5 years with HER2-positive cancer, compared with a person who does not have breast cancer, is as follows. These statistics are based on figures for the years 2011â2017.
| Stage |
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What Is Her2 Positive Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Nearly 25 percent people newly diagnosed with cancer have breast cancer. One in five people with breast cancer is a type called HER5 positive.
HER2-positive breast cancer tests positive for the HER2 protein. HER2 stands for Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2.
This means that cancer cells have a gene that makes the HER2 protein. This protein causes cancer cells to grow and spread rapidly. HER2-positive breast cancer may develop or grow differently than other types.
Treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer targets the cells that make the protein. This helps slow the growth of cancer and stop it from spreading.
Advice For Life With Early
HER2-positive breast cancer is a type of breast cancer that tests positive for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 , a protein that promotes cancer cell growth. It tends to be aggressive.
The good news is that treatments for this cancer, especially those that directly target HER2, do a great job fighting it off. They come with a range of rather unpleasant side effects, as all cancer treatments do. But there is a silver lining: We know a lot of tips, tools, and strategies to make life during treatment easier.
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After Treatment Maintain A Healthy Weight
Obese women have higher levels of estrogen circulating in their bodies than women who are in their ideal body weight range.
Many studies including a study conducted by researchers from the Iranian Institute for Health Sciences Research in Tehran, Iran, have demonstrated an association between body mass size and breast cancer in post-menopausal women.
If youre overweight, Taylor recommends losing weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise once youve finished treatment. Weight loss during treatment isnt typically encouraged, as this is often associated with undesired muscle loss, leading to fatigue, a suppressed immune system and a slower healing process.
Allow your body the nutrients it needs to fight cancer, she says. Once your treatment is done, consider meeting with a dietitian for individualized recommendations to decrease recurrence risk and support a healthy weight.
What Causes Her2 Positive Breast Cancer
The exact cause of HER2 positive breast cancer is not yet known, though researchers believe that environment, lifestyle and genetics may all play a role in the development of this malignancy. That said, HER2 positive breast cancer is not hereditary you cant inherit a bad HER2 gene from a parent or pass one on to a child.
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There Is No Perfect Diet
Some people might find it reassuring to be handed a special cancer diet: a firm list of what foods to eat and not eat after a cancer diagnosis. But nutritionists say there is no such thing as a fool-proof, cancer-busting diet, despite many popular claims that people with cancer should absolutely avoid refined sugar, alcohol, and other forbidden foods that frequently pop up in a Google search.
Instead, nutritionists advocate for a well-balanced diet rich in vegetables and fruits that satisfy the senses and serve up healthy nutrients. That approach can also help avoid excessive weight gain, which research has linked to certain kinds of cancer.
While there are absolutely so many things you can do with your everyday diet to help support your immune system and help support your body, we want to get away from the mindset that there is one prescriptive diet that everyone should follow, says Stacy Kennedy, MPH, RD, LDN, CSO, co-founder and director of nutrition at Wellness Guides Personalized Nutrition & Fitness Coaching, in Boston.
Metastatic Breast Cancer And Diet: Eating Well After Diagnosis
It can be overwhelming to face a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis. The good news is that it doesnt have to be complicated to figure out a healthy diet that helps you feel good.
When Brenda Levin of Philadelphia was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2017 at age 40, she read every article she could find about the effect of diet on cancer.
She wanted to make sense of how she, someone who followed a healthy diet and lifestyle, could end up with breast cancer. More important, she wanted to know what diet she should follow to keep the breast cancer from growing.
As a trained practitioner of acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, integrative nutrition, and shiatsu massage, Brenda thought she was prepared for whatever life threw at her. But her diagnosis made her rethink what she learned, particularly about food. Should she swear off sugar? Avoid alcohol and caffeine? Never eat her favorite treats again?
I was at a healthy weight with a healthy diet, says Brenda. I have always exercised. Plus, I have always focused on getting ample amounts of vegetables, protein, a good balance of carbohydrates, some fruits, and healthy fats into my daily food regimen.
Brendas research showed her two important things. First, she had done nothing wrong to get cancer. Second, there are no magical foods that make cancer disappear. Since then, she has focused on eating a variety of fresh foods, cooking with healthy oils and allowing herself an occasional glass of wine or ice cream.
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Side Effects And Her2
All treatments for breast cancer can cause side effects, but they vary from person to person. In treatments for HER2-positive breast cancer, we dont know why some experience difficult side effects while others have mild or no problems.
It is always tempting to compare our experiences to those of others. Remember, just because someone else had side effects on the your doctor recommends for you doesnt mean you will have the same troubles.
Prepare yourself for side effects by learning about them. Knowing what you might encounter helps you note symptoms quickly, so you can promptly tell your healthcare team. By getting help, you may have a better day-to-day life.
In this section, learn more about side effects connected to treatments for HER2-positive breast cancer:
Availability Of Data And Materials
The dataset analysed in the current study is not publicly available, but was obtained from the Cancer Registry of Norway under a specific ethical approval by the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics in the South East Health Region of Norway. Researchers with appropriate approvals can apply for Norwegian health registry data from .
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Research On Foods Affecting Triple
There are no specific scientific guidelines for this type of breast cancer in terms of nutrition. On the other hand, extensive research has been conducted in order to identify potential recommendations. Here we will present some of this research, but please note that it is inconclusive and does not imply recommendation.
Low-fat diet
- UCLA researchers studied 2,400 women and found that maintaining a low-fat diet led to better survival outcomes in some subtypes, including triple-negative.
- In particular, scientists divided the women in two groups, and those in one group followed a specific diet. The diet did not aim at a weight loss, but had as its goals to receive less than 20% of daily calories from fat. For the group that followed this diet, the outcome was beneficial on many levels: firstly, they lost an average of 6 pounds in 5 years. But more importantly, some of the women following this diet also had better medical outcomes. In particular, women with oestrogen-receptor and progesterone-receptor negative breast cancer had 54% improvement in overall survival.
- While the role of the HER2 protein was not examined, researchers expect many of these women to also have HER2-negative cells .
Omega-3 fatty acids
Methionine
Please note that some of the above were based on pre-clinical research .
As always, please consult your medical team when considering specific changes to your diet against your type of breast cancer.
Saturated And Trans Fats
Diets that are high in saturated and trans fats may make it easier for HER2-positive breast cancer cells and other types of breast cancer cells to grow.
Eating too many saturated fats can raise your cholesterol levels. Research on mice suggests a link between high cholesterol and breast cancer risk. A type of cholesterol called low density lipoprotein may trigger breast cancer cells to grow larger and spread faster.
This might happen because LDL helps the cancer cells make the proteins it needs to grow. Keep your LDL cholesterol low to help prevent breast cancer and for overall good health.
Avoid foods with saturated and trans fats that can elevate LDL, including:
- partially hydrogenated vegetable oils
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What Types Of Hormone Therapy Are Used For Breast Cancer
Several strategies are used to treat hormone-sensitive breast cancer:
Blocking ovarian function: Because the ovaries are the main source of estrogen in premenopausal women, estrogen levels in these women can be reduced by eliminating or suppressing ovarian function. Blocking ovarian function is called ovarian ablation.
Ovarian ablation can be done surgically in an operation to remove the ovaries or by treatment with radiation. This type of ovarian ablation is usually permanent.
Alternatively, ovarian function can be suppressed temporarily by treatment with drugs called gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, which are also known as luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists. By mimicking GnRH, these medicines interfere with signals that stimulate the ovaries to produce estrogen.
Estrogen and progesterone production in premenopausal women. Drawing shows that in premenopausal women, estrogen and progesterone production by the ovaries is regulated by luteinizing hormone and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone . The hypothalamus releases LHRH, which then causes the pituitary gland to make and secrete LH and follicle-stimulating hormone . LH and FSH cause the ovaries to make estrogen and progesterone, which act on the endometrium .
Examples of ovarian suppression drugs are goserelin and leuprolide .
Blocking estrogens effects: Several types of drugs interfere with estrogens ability to stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells:
Lifestyle Tips For Her2 Positive Breast Cancer
In accordance with 2012 study , obesity and overweight can lead to poorer prognosis.
Staying active can help you balance your weight. Talk to your doctor about the right exercise program for you. Exercise and a healthy diet can also give you better treatment results.
Along with a balanced diet, supplements can help you get the nutrients you need. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements add healthy fats to your diet and help lower cholesterol levels.
Some herbs and spices have anti-cancer properties. Turmeric contains an antioxidant called curcumin. it was found to prevent the growth of breast cancer cells. Add this seasoning to your food or take it as a supplement.
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Her2 Positive Breast Cancer: What Is It
HER2 is a protein. Sometimes, a gene mutation can lead to excessive production of this protein, which may in turn make cancer cells grow and spread faster. You may also read/hear this as overexpression of the HER2 protein.
It is important to note that you do not necessarily inherit this gene mutation from your parents, and you do not pass it on to your children.
It is estimated that about 1 in every 5 of breast cancers diagnosed are characterised as HER2-positive.
Although it can be thought of as being an aggressive cancer, the treatments developed against it are considered generally effective.
Can I Lower My Risk Of Breast Cancer Progressing Or Coming Back
If you have breast cancer, you probably want to know if there are things you can do that might lower your risk of the cancer growing or coming back, such as getting or staying active, eating a certain type of diet, or taking nutritional supplements. Fortunately, breast cancer is one of the best studied types of cancer in this regard, and research has shown there are some things you can do that might be helpful.
Staying as healthy as possible is more important than ever after breast cancer treatment. Controlling your weight, being physically active, and eating well may help you lower your risk of breast cancer coming back, as well as help protect you from other health problems.
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What Therapies Does Dr Weil Recommend For Breast Cancer
Dr. Weil recommends that all women diagnosed with breast cancer seek treatment with a qualified and experienced breast surgeon, oncologist and radiation specialist. However, he emphasizes the need for the following lifestyle measures to reduce the risks of developing breast cancer in the first place and to help prevent recurrences after treatment: