Phone: 604-949-0077 
At Port Moody Naturopathic Health & Wellness, we offer a preventative and proactive approach to assessing breast health. The conventional medical approach of annual mammography is being phased out in many countries across the globe as the research is demonstrating more harm than positive outcomes associated with mammography. In fact, recent evidence reveals a one-third increase in breast cancer rates in countries that adopt a more aggressive mammography screening approach (i.e. annual mammograms) and yet very little reduction in mortality and an increase in associated harms as a result of over-diagnosis, over-treatment and false positives.
So what are women to do?
To answer this question, it is important to first understand how cancer develops and what occurs long before a tumor is actually detected by mammography or clinical and/or self-breast exam.
There are many factors that will influence whether or not a woman will develop breast cancer. Early detection of abnormal cell activity is possible with breast thermography evaluation – a non-invasive and non-radiation method of assessing breast and surrounding tissue. However, thermography is just one part of a complete breast health assessment. In order to address what is influencing the change in breast tissue (i.e. treat the cause), we need to evaluate the factors that play a key role in the development of breast cancer. Firstly, it is important to understand that there is no one cause of cancer therefore there can be no one “cure”, despite the claims of many breast cancer fundraising campaigns. The only cure for cancer is prevention.
Genetics and a family history of cancer certainly play a significant role, but there are other factors as well. We know that dietary and lifestyle habits, digestive health, immune function, toxicity levels, hormones and environmental exposures are all part of the multi-factorial cause of cancer – all cancers, not just breast cancer. Everyone is at risk of developing cancer, even those who feel and appear to be very healthy, because there are many factors for which we cannot control – namely, our environment.
The urinary estrogens test determines your level of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ (cancer causing) estrogen. The salivary hormone test evaluates your ratio of progesterone to estrogen – a higher ratio is associated with lower risk of hormone-driven cancers such as breast, ovarian, uterine and prostate – and determines your levels of testosterone, DHEAs and cortisol levels. If needed, evaluation of toxic heavy metals and vitamin D testing may be recommended. There are many other benefits to early hormone evaluation. Pre-menopausal women who have healthy hormone balance prior to becoming peri-menopausal, are far less likely to suffer the common symptoms of menopause (night sweats, weight gain, mood swings, hot flashes, etc.) and tend to enjoy more calm during this transition.
It is important to start evaluation early. Women as young as 20 years of age are diagnosed with breast cancer, so the earlier we start preventative screening and risk evaluation, the better. Performing a baseline assessment of your hormone levels, internal biology and breast tissue activity with the tests described above allows for evaluation of change – with or without treatment interventions – when comparing with future test results. Depending on your baseline evaluation, your naturopathic physician will help you determine which future tests are needed to monitor your status and how often testing should be performed.
For more information, call (604) 949-0077.
Routine Mammography Proves No Benefit and May Even Increase Risk – What Are Your Options? Article by Dr. Sharon Gurm, Naturopathic Physician
Comprehensive Breast Health Assessment Package:
Breast Thermography Exam
Salivary Hormone Testing (4 point cortisol, progesterone, estradiol, testosterone, DHEAs)
Urine Estrogens Testing
2 Hour – Initial Visit with one of our Naturopathic Physician
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