Studies Show that Breast Cancer Risk is Modifiable and Measurable.
The news media lumps all estrogen together and reports estrogen can promote tumor growth. However, there are many types of estrogen. Not all types promote tumor growth. Researchers at Rockefeller University have found that the body metabolizes estrogens into several different metabolites that can impact cancer development.
One metabolite, 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1), tends to inhibit cancer growth. Another, 16-a-hydroxyestrone (16-a-OHE1), actually encourages tumor development.
A woman’s "biochemical individuality" determines which of these metabolites (2 or 16) predominates. Studies have shown that measuring the ratio of these two metabolites in the urine provides an important indication of risk for future development of estrogen-sensitive cancers. The studies also show that this risk is modifiable!
Women with breast cancer have lower 2/16 ratios. Studies have suggested that women with lower ratios may also have a poorer prognosis.
Now a new test can give us even more information. 4-OH estrogen is actually the most harmful estrogen metabolite. Tests to measure the 4-OH level have not been available until this year. Now we can get a full picture of a woman's estrogen metabolism, predict her risk for breast cancer and modify that risk with simple lifestyle measures. The test can be repeated to show that the risk has changed. |
