Breast Cancer Gene Mutations
The function of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes is to help repair damage to the DNA and to help keep the cells of the breast developing normally. When these genes are damaged or mutated, they fail to to do their job properly and this can lead to more rapid accumulation of DNA damage over a person’s lifetime and this can increase their overall risk of breast cancer development.
When BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes fail to function properly
Women who carry breast cancer gene mutations are actually more susceptible to damage caused by radiation exposure during a mammogram. Recent research reveals that the BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 genes are responsible for repairing radiation damage to the DNA, yet women with these mutations are being told that they need to have more mammograms and this will lead to more damage to the tissues.
This information is contrary to conventional assurances that radiation exposure from mammography is trivial and is similar to having a chest X-ray, or about 1/ 1,000 of a rad (radiation-absorbed dose), but the routine practice of taking four films for each breast results is about 1,000-fold greater exposure. One rad, focused specifically on each breast exposes women to a total of about 10 rads for each breast when they are screened over a ten year period. Present day radiation risk models that are used to assess the known breast cancer risk associated with mammography against the purported benefits do not take this information into account. Appropriate screening methods for these women should include thermography and/or ultrasound.
Risk assessment
Women who carry the BRCA mutations are told that they have an 87% increased lifetime risk for developing breast or ovarian cancer over the general population of women, but the actual percentage of breast cancer cases that are due to BRCA1 mutations are estimated to be only 3.5-6.2%, and 2.1-3.4 % for BRCA2 mutations.
It should be noted that the research and studies that are related to BRCA1 and BRCA2 statistics have been performed by the company who owns the patent on the genes and they do not allow other scientists to study the genes independently.
The website of the National Cancer Institute reported the following about the increase in cancers that are related to the defect in the BRCA gene: “the studies have been done on large families with many individuals affected by cancer. Estimates of breast and ovarian cancer risk associated with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations have been calculated from studies of these families. Because family members share a proportion of their genes, and often similar environments, it is possible that the large number of cancer cases seen in these families may be due in part to other genetic or environmental factors. Therefore, risk estimates that are based on families with many affected members may not accurately reflect the levels of risk for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers in the general population. In addition, no data is available from long-term studies of the general population comparing cancer risk in women who have harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations with those who do not have such mutations. Therefore the percentages given above are estimates that may change as more data become available.” Link to the article at the National Cancer Institute.
If you have the BRCA gene mutation
Millions of women may carry defective BRCA genes and yet they will never develop breast cancer because they follow a healthy lifestyle that includes optimal nutrition along with breast supporting supplements such as selenium and iodine, they exercise regularly, they exposed their skin to sunlight, and they take steps to avoid cancer causing chemicals
Selenium and BRCA mutations
Studies have shown that supplementing with 200 mcg of Selenium every day can help to reverse the risk factors of being BRCA1 positive. “Oral selenium is a good candidate for chemo-prevention in women who carry a mutation in the BRCA1 gene.”
According to Dr Peter Glidden: a daily dose of selenium will mitigate the risk of BRCA1 mutation, putting a woman who carries the gene on a level playing field with those who do not carry the defective gene.
It is amazing that taking 200 mcg of selenium can completely reverse the negative risk of carrying the BRCA1 mutation without the need for radical mastectomies or other extreme measures, and yet this very simple measure is not being shared with women who need this information. Link to the study on selenium and BRCA mutation.
Iodine Supplementation
Iodine serves many functions in the body: The immune system can’t function without it and you can’t fight infections without it. But its main job is to maintain the normal architecture of the endocrine glands, these include: the thyroid, breasts, ovaries, uterus, and the prostate, which is where many new cancer cases are occurring.
When one has an iodine deficiency, one of the first problems to occur is the formation of cysts within the breasts, ovaries, uterus, prostate, and the thyroid. If the deficiency goes on longer these cysts will become nodular and hard. If it continues, the tissues may become hyperplastic, which is a precursor to cancer. Over 80 percent of women are currently suffering from fibrocystic breast disease and David believes this can all be remedied with the addition of iodine supplementation. Read more about iodine and ways to supplement with this link.
Additional reading
Read an article about thermography
Diet and lifestyle recommendations for breast health
Read more about iodine with this post.
Nature’s Way Selenium, 200 mcg
Global Healing Center Iodine Tincture