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May/June 2006 Alternative Health
How to Prevent Breast Cancer

by Keith Post, ND

How many of you know what the lymph system is? Basically, it consists of a network of ducts and lymph vessels that ensure that most of your body receives moisture at all time in the form of lymphatic fluid which is, biochemically speaking, exactly the same as your blood plasma, but without any blood cells or platelets. Hence, it is colorless and thinner in texture than blood. And, since lymph vessels cannot pump lymph in the same way that blood is pumped through your blood vessels by your heart muscle, it must rely on the alternating contraction and relaxation of your skeletal muscles in order to squish the fluids through your body.

In other words, we have yet another reason that exercise is so valuable for health and longevity. Because, in the absence of any physical activity, lymph movement becomes sluggish and this allows for the growth and development of unwanted guests such as bacteria, viruses, yeast, fungi, parasites, cysts and tumors, both benign and cancerous.

So, a simple solution to prevent the growth of tumors in lymph-rich areas of the body would be regular exercise of the upper body along with self-massage.

Now, as you know, breast cancer has become endemic in our society. Mammograms are touted by the medical profession as a preventative, but they do not prevent anything. In fact, it is a well-established fact that ionizing radiation of any kind is itself carcinogenic. Mammograms are simply a diagnostic tool to supplement, not replace the well-trained physician's manual palpation during a physical examination. If you choose, however, there is nothing wrong with getting a baseline mammogram around age 30, but I would not recommend annual follow-ups. For one thing, it is entirely possible that you could test normal in January, then have an aggressive growth occur before the following January.

So, what to do? Well, first of all, realize that at least 80% of all breast cancers begin in the upper outer quadrant region near the axillary tail (armpit). Therefore, a simple and highly effective method of preventing stasis of lymphatic fluid, which would allow a growth to begin forming, would be to massage that area daily in the shower. If you have any current health concerns, check with your physician first.

Self Care Breast Massage

• Gently stimulate the nipple first by rubbing and/or squeezing it for a few minutes, it will trigger the release of the hormone oxytocin and increase breast lymph drainage.
• Use your fingers to slowly and gently smooth directly away from the nipple, with no more pressure than you would use on an eyelid so as not to flatten the lymphatic vessel and stop the flow.
• Very gently grasp the lower portion of the breast, and with a sort of pumping action, gently squeeze and release the breast, using lifting and pressing movements. Continue moving your hand up toward the outer portion of the breast and armpit area – about 3 minutes per breast.
• With both hands, twist the breast slowly and gently in a clock-wise and counterclockwise direction. Take care not to put too much tension on the breast.
• Use both hands as shown to apply several, moderate pressure compressions to move out more pressure fluids.

Notes:

• Cancerous tumors should never be massaged, so if during self-massage any lumps are felt, you should avoid that area and have them checked by a qualified physician.
• Tight bras compress the lymph ducts, so they should never be worn more than 12 hours a day.
• Most mass market deodorants and antiperspirants contain chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin and cause constriction of the lymph nodes. Look for natural deodorants.