While free radicals cause damage to the DNA, if the cell with the error does not replicate there is no risk of disease. If that cell begins to grow uncontrollably you develop cancer. Estrogen stimulates cell growth in the breast.

All estrogens are not the same, some estrogen are stronger than others. The longer you are exposed to a strong estrogen the more likely a damaged cell will be stimulated to grow.

In order to decrease your risk, you need to know what are strong estrogens and how do you limit your exposure.

Estradiol is the strongest estrogen your body makes. It is made with each menstrual cycle. The fewer menstrual cycles you have the less exposure to estradiol. That is why early menstruation, late menopause and delayed childbirth increases your risk of cancer. During pregnancy you make a very weak estrogen called estriol that protects against breast cancer. Women are choosing to have fewer children, delaying childbirth, and opting not to breast feed, thereby, experiencing approximately 200 more menstrual cycles than their mother or grandmother.

External estrogens are much more powerful than estradiol. They also have a much more stimulatory effect on breast cancer cells. These external estrogens are found in pesticides in our food and water. Even though they are in small quantities, the fat in breast tissue can concentrate them to toxic levels. Animal fat also concentrates these estrogen like compounds that stimulate the breast tissue when they are consumed by humans.

To decrease your risk you must limit your exposure to strong estrogen. Use organic pesticides, eat organic fruits and vegetables. Decrease animal fat. Eat soy, it works like estriol. It is a weak estrogen that is protective against breast cancer.

Eldred B. Taylor, M.D.