As seen featured on
www.businessessentials.co.za
(References Below):
With the spotlight on breast cancer awareness, many women may be wondering if they should see their healthcare provider for advice…
This is a wise move, considering that 80% of breast cancer occurs in women with no family history.
According to the Cancer Association of South Africa, approximately 19.4 million women over the age of 15 are at risk of receiving a cancer diagnosis. In fact, breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women, followed by;
• Cervical cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Uterine cancer
• Lung cancer
Men can also get breast cancer, although it is rare. Over the average lifetime, the risk of a South African man developing breast cancer is roughly one in 1 066, which is about a 0,1% chance.
The link between oestrogen and cancer
Mounting evidence from a large group of cancer studies, proves that there is a strong link between oestrogen (the main female sex hormone) and the growth and development of breast cancer, as well as cancers of other tissues of the reproductive system.
We know oestrogen best for its role in female reproduction. However, it’s also an important factor in the health of male tissues, such as the prostate and testes.
However, too much oestrogen, (whether it’s being produced in excess by the body or stemming from external sources such as contraceptives or HRT medication), is associated with a substantially increased risk of such cancers, as well as oestrogen dominant disorders such as endometriosis, premenstrual syndrome and uterine fibroid tumours.
Prevention is better than cure
DNAlysis Biotechnology, one of the leading genetic testing laboratories in the world, has developed an innovative DNA new Oestrogen test which may help to reduce the risk of cancer. The main aim of the DNA new Oestrogen test is to provide valuable information on how a person’s unique body breaks down oestrogen, and whether a targeted diet, lifestyle and hormonal protocol should be implemented to balance oestrogen levels in the body.
Who should go for this test?
This test is important for women using oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, bio-identical supplementation or those who are struggling with infertility and are considering going for IVF or other hormone-related treatments. Women with a family history of breast cancer who those who are considered to be ‘high risk’ should also consider having the test done.
What information does the DNA new Oestrogen test provide?
Practitioners can use the data from the DNA new Oestrogen test to prescribe personalised nutritional and
lifestyle interventions to mitigate breast cancer risk in women with high-risk genetic profiles, providing
an accurate report on the following key areas;
• Which key gene variants are involved in metabolising oestrogen and related compounds.
• The impact of these high-risk gene variations on the development of cancer.
• Intervention strategies for carriers of high-risk genetic variations (This includes lifestyle
strategies to reduce the risk of cancer).
• Personal risk factors associated with HRT, oral contraceptives, bio-identical supplementation
and in vitro fertilization (IVF).
A word on genes
With the exception of identical twins, all people have small differences or variations in their genetic
code. It’s these differences that make each person unique. DNAlysis seeks to determine which form of the variation each person carries so that they can make the appropriate lifestyle choices for their optimal wellbeing.
SOURCE:
DNAlysis (2018) A New Oestrogen Test to Help Reduce Cancer Risk, Business Essentials, 30 August. Available at: https://www.businessessentials.co.za/2018/08/30/new-oestrogen-test-cancer/
