Breast Cancer and Inflammation

Inflammation and Breast Cancer

Scientists have found that women with high levels of two markers of inflammation, C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A, were 2-3 times more likely to die early or have their cancer return than women with lower levels.  

Another important characteristic of chronic inflammation is its relationship to angiogenesis - the development of new blood vessels.  The COX and LOX enzymes promote inflammation and hormone-like chemicals from these enzymes that play a major role in producing new blood vessels.  While this is a normal process, it can get hijacked by tumors, which are too small to detect and build a blood supply to feed the tumor’s growing needs.  Research has shown that compounds that block inflammation also inhibit angiogenesis, which is good!

Of course, life-style factors play a role in contributing to chronic inflammation: 

1.) Diet: The foods we consume are either "pro-inflammatory" or "anti-inflammatory".  Packaged foods that are processed and have high sugar content, as well as trans fats, are among the most potent pro-inflammatory foods. Vegetables and the correct fats are some of the most anti-inflammatory foods.

2.) Weight: Keeping your weight in check is important because visceral fat (the fat located deep in the abdominal area) is more metabolically active than other types of fat, secreting large amounts of inflammatory chemicals called cytokines.  The hormone insulin itself is pro-inflammatory, so you need to keep your fasting glucose and insulin levels down.

3)Sleep: Sleep deprivation will increase your levels of inflammation. Losing sleep for even part of one night can trigger the key cellular pathway that produces tissue-damaging inflammation. 

4.) Exercise: Lack of exercise or over exercise both can also lead to an impaired immune system and inflammation.

At Alternatives, we perform tests that help us monitor inflammation levels.  

1. A high sensitivity C-reactive protein test is an easy way to monitor the body's level of inflammation. Monitoring these levels every 3 months, especially if you have a history of cancer, is a good way to see if your lifestyle is keeping inflammation in check.  

1. The fibrinogen test, which is a marker for blood clotting, rises when you get inflamed.   Bringing levels into the normal range (between 215 and 300) helps blood flow more smoothly.