The Healthy Breast Program is a clarion call to all women who want to take charge of their health. Like many women today, one of my greatest fears is of developing breast cancer. Taking Sat Dharam’s workshops and reading her book has made me feel that I have some control of my destiny and that if I developed breast cancer I would be able to make intelligent and informed choices. Sat Dharam Kaur brings her talents as a visual artist and her gift as a healer into every chapter of her book."
Breast Cancer and Viruses
Summary:
Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV; the Bittner virus) is a proven cause of breast cancer in mice, and has been identified in some human breast tumours, although it has not been proven as a definite cause of breast cancer in women. Other viruses that have been identified in human breast tumours are the human papilloma viruses (HPVs), and Epstein-Barr (EBV). The Epstein-Barr virus has been found in 25-35% of breast cancer tumours, but has not been found in benign breast tumours. EBV infection causes breast cancer cells to be more resistant to chemotherapy drugs. The EBV also activates the signaling pathways for the HER2/HER3 (human epidermal growth factor) genes, which cause breast cancer tumours to be more aggressive, causing either increased or uncontrolled proliferation, decreased apoptosis (programmed cell death), enhanced tumor cell motility, and angiogenesis (blood supply formation to a tumour). Of 32 herbs tested, turmeric was the most effective at inhibiting the Epstein-Barr virus, causing 90% growth inhibition. The human papilloma virus (HPV) was present in 25 of 29 samples of breast cancer tumours and in 20 of 29 samples from the corresponding breasts. It is possible that certain dietary patterns lead to higher estrogen, insulin and IGF-1 levels, which promotes viral replication, which initiates and promotes the cancer process, which is then further enhanced by sex and growth hormones.