Functional Testing for Breast Cancer

The ability of cancer cells to survive or spread depends very much on the environment in which they exist. For example, cancer cells tend to thrive where there is inflammation, insulin resistance, obesity, low levels of certain nutrients or high levels of others. The majority of breast cancers grow in the presence of certain hormones. Some forms of estrogen offer protection, while other forms increase risk. Having information about these variables provides great insight into strategies for reducing your risk of cancer or recurrence.

The two tests I recommend most often are the urine hormone and blood biomarker tests.

Urine Testing for Hormones

Hormones play a significant role in breast cancer growth, development, and risk. For example, some forms of estrogen can promote cancer growth while others are protective. The presence of stress hormones can also increase cancer risk. Detoxification pathways need to run effectively to help remove hormones once they’ve been used.

Urinary hormone testing offers much more information than we can get from testing hormones in the blood.

Urine Hormone Testing provides a comprehensive look at:

• Ratios of harmful vs protective estrogens
• Progesterone levels
• Liver function and detoxification
• Stress response
• The sleep-wake cycle

Testing involves collecting 4 to 5 samples over a 24 hour period. Collection is easy and can be done at home.

Blood Tests for Biomarkers

Because cancer cells tend to thrive where there is inflammation, insulin resistance, or nutritional imbalances, testing for these variables provides insight into how to target treatment. The initial test acts as a baseline and provides great insight into your treatment plan. Over time, further testing enables us to identify patterns. We see the effectiveness of treatments and can flag predictors of disease before overt disease occurs.

• Testing for biomarkers provides insight into:
• Inflammation
• Blood sugar levels
• Insulin levels and/or insulin resistance
• Immune status
• Vitamin and mineral levels
• Liver function
• Kidney function

Testing for biomarkers involves a blood draw. I recommend testing every 6 to 12 months.

Talk to your Nautropathic Doctor about which tests are best for you. Click here to book.