SAY NO TO THE SUGAR TRAP!
by Dr. Laura Nadeau
The question we oncologists are most frequently asked by our breast cancer patients is “what can I do to reduce my risk of cancer growth/spread/recurrence?” There are all kinds of supplements, herbs, and other remedies that claim to have therapeutic benefit, without any real evidence that they help in the treatment or prevention of breast cancer. These include Tumeric, Rick Simpson Oil, and many other expensive supplements. Of course, everyone knows that exercise is an extremely important way to maintain heart health, energy levels, and to reduce the risk of cancer. But did you know that SUGAR and simple carbohydrates may be as bad for you as smoking!
Recent studies have shown a very strong link between insulin, diabetes, and breast cancer outcomes. Insulin is secreted when we eat, and when the level of glucose (aka sugar) in our blood is elevated. The higher the sugar and / or carbohydrate content of a meal, the more insulin is needed. Insulin drives the uptake of the glucose into our cells. There is now evidence showing that breast cancer cells have significantly higher insulin receptor levels than normal breast cells, and likely helps stimulate breast cancer growth and development. This means that when more insulin is secreted, like when you eat a nice piece of chocolate cake or a big plate of pasta, it may be stimulating breast cancer growth.
In addition, insulin modulates other hormones that can drive cancer growth, such as the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) family of receptors. IGFs help regulate cell growth, differentiation, cell death, and transformation in different tissues, including breast tissue. This means that higher levels of insulin-like growth factor, induced by higher amounts of sugar and carbohydrates in the diet, can stimulate breast cancer growth.
Simply put, one way to combat breast cancer starts right at the kitchen table! Keep the holidays healthy with lots of vegetables and protein, family and friends, and peace and love. But say no to the sugar trap!