Dr. Susan B. Kowalsky, N.D.
Breast Cancer Articles
Breast Cancer Survival & Stress Hormones A study at the University of Louisville School of Medicine measured levels of the adrenal stress hormone cortisol in women with breast cancer. These researchers evaluated the circadian (daily) rhythm of cortisol release in these women by measuring saliva samples taken at four different times in a 24-hour period. Because cortisol is a stimulating hormone, levels normally peak in the early morning to trigger wakefulness and energy for daily activities and fall dramatically at night to induce sleep. The researchers reported that the women with breast cancer who had a "flattened" pattern of cortisol, with lower levels in the morning and higher levels at night, had a significantly reduced survival time. Based on this evidence, researchers concluded that "dysregulation of cortisol is associated with more rapid breast cancer progression". We know that cortisol affects the immune response and a host of other hormonal and metabolic functions essential to maintaining health. Low levels of the adrenal hormone DHEA in pre-menopausal women are also associated with an increase risk of breast cancer. Adrenal function also influences thyroid and ovarian functions which contribute greatly to metabolic, immune and hormonal health. Women may get accurate saliva testing of their cortisol and DHEA levels with a take-home test kit, and if an abnormal stress response if found a naturopathic approach to treating it is very effective.
Breast Cancer & Black Cohosh Question: I have breast cancer and my oncologist told me it isn’t safe for me to take Black Cohosh. What can I take instead for hot flashes? Suzanne, New Hampshire All of the published research confirms that Black Cohosh is safe for women with breast cancer, including during tamoxifen use. There are no studies even hinting at a contraindication, except during chemotherapy using platinum compounds, such as cisplatin. The issue isn’t one of safety, but of efficacy. The majority of clinical trials suggest that black cohosh is ineffective in relieving hot flashes for women with breast cancer. One earlier study did show benefit however, leaving open the possibility that a small minority of women may experience some relief. Adding soy foods to the diet can moderately reduce hot flashes. These include tofu, tempeh, soy milk and soy flour. However, excessively processed soy foods such as soy meat substitutes are of questionable benefit and should be avoided. Supplementing with mixed tocopherols from natural vitamin E can also help in alleviating hot flashes also, besides having its own anti-cancer effects.
Breast Cancer & Tamoxifen Question: Can I safely take natural supplements while I'm taking Absolutely. Tamoxifen is an option many women with breast cancer choose. It may be a rational option in postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer, but I believe it may be imprudent in other circumstances. Not only is it safe to take nutritional supplements with tamoxifen, there is preliminary evidence that combining certain natural compounds with tamoxifen may increase its effectiveness and/or decrease the drug's adverse effects. These include Evening Primrose oil in estrogen positive women; indole-3-carbinol or DIM which is an extract from Brassica vegetables; high doses of melatonin (by prescription only); tocotrienols from vitamin E; IP-6 from rice bran oil; and vitamin A (which must be avoided in those with liver disease and in women who may become pregnant). The herb Black cohosh may sometimes be effective in alleviating associated hot flashes also. It should be noted that women taking tamoxifen who have had ductal carcinoma in situ have an increased risk for uterine cancer. If you experience abdominal pain or pressure, or if you're postmenopausal and experience any vaginal bleeding you should be seen by a physician to assess uterine health. While taking tamoxifen you should avoid excessive use of soy foods and all bioflavonoid supplements. Generally, those with breast cancer should also avoid panax ginseng.
Breast Cancer & Herceptin Question: My oncologist told me I am "her 2 neu positive" and wants me to take a drug called Herceptin. Do you have any patients taking this drug? Beth S., New Hampshire Herceptin (trastuzumab) is a drug used mostly by breast cancer patients who have overexpressed HER-2/neu oncogenes, but drug studies have yielded varied results, with some trials showing this drug having worsening effects on patients. If you are HER-2/neu positive, whether you choose trastuzumb or not,
About Dr. Kowalsky Dr. Susan B. Kowalsky is a naturopathic physician specializing in cancer and chronic medical conditions. Dr. Kowalsky provides a responsible, rational and integrative approach to the treatment of cancer. Naturopathic medicines can help increase longevity, heighten quality of life and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation while enhancing their effectiveness. As a naturopathic doctor she is trained in both conventional medicine and natural therapies, providing her patients with the most holistic, integrative and effective medical care available.
Therapies Include: *Vitamins, Minerals & Amino Acids
The Highest Standard of Care "I provide strong guidance and caring medicine that foster hope and optimal health. I prescribe treatments based on the best scientific evidence available, while also developing a healing and supportive relationship with each patient. I adjust treatments to address the individual needs of each person based on mental, emotional and social factors as well as their physical health and symptoms. Only by really listening can a doctor understand the pieces of the puzzle that make up a patient's health concerns. I believe the highest standard of care can only happen when the doctor is totally dedicated and committed to your health and wellbeing." -- Susan B. Kowalsky, N.D.
Credentials Dr. Kowalsky received her undergraduate degree at the University of
What is a Naturopathic Physician? Naturopathic physicians (N.D.s) are general practitioners trained as specialists in natural medicine. They are the only physicians with comprehensive medical training that includes a wide variety of natural therapeutics, such as herbal medicine, nutritional medicine, homeopathy, natural hormones, intravenous supplementation and physical medicine. Naturopathic physicians cooperate with all other branches of medical science, referring patients to other specialists for diagnosis or treatment when necessary. Health and disease come from a complex interaction of physical, emotional, dietary, genetic, and environmental, lifestyle and other factors. Naturopathic physicians treat the whole person, taking all these factors into account. Naturopathic physicians prefer non-invasive treatments which minimize the risks of harmful side-effects. Treatments are tailored to the needs of the individual patient based on a cogent philosophy that acknowledges the patient as participant. Naturopathic medical colleges are four-year postgraduate schools with admission requirements like those of conventional medical schools. Because the coursework in naturopathic theory and natural medicine is added to a standard medical curriculum, naturopathic doctors receive significantly more hours of classroom education than the graduates of leading medical schools, including Yale, Stanford, John Hopkins and Mayo medical schools. Patients are demanding evidence that medical practice be safe and effective. Natural medicine has been demonstrated to be both safe and effective through clinical studies and scientific evaluation. There are over 90,000 medical studies on complementary and alternative medicine, mostly from conventional medicine database resources. In fact, one textbook on naturopathic therapeutics references over 10,000 citations to peer-reviewed scientific literature documenting the efficacy of natural treatments.
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DISCLAIMER: The information contained in the document and website is provided FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY AND MAY NOT BE CONSTRUED, CONSIDERED OR USED IN PLACE OF MEDICAL ADVICE OR INSTRUCTION. No action should be taken based only on this newsletter. Readers should consult a licensed naturopathic physician or medical doctor. The information and editorials in this newsletter are believed to be accurate, but readers who fail to consult with a physician assume the risk of injuries. (C) Copyright 2002 - 2007 Susan B. Kowalsky, N.D. All rights reserved. |