Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Program:

The facts surrounding breast cancer are alarming as many of us either have had a direct experience with breast cancer or know someone who has. The "Toxic Burden" that our bodies face on a daily basis places all of us at risk for many forms of cancer and other degenerative diseases, but this page focues on breast cancer.

Our Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Program is designed to identify a woman's suceptibility to breast cancer based on scientifically validated correlations, then leverages a functional medicine approach to bring the body back into balance, which increases the body's ability to fight off breast cancer and other degenerative diseases.

There are two broad types of tests that can aid in the detection of a breast cancer or aid in detecting certain risk factors associated with breast cancer. Tests that detect the presence of existing breast cancer are “REACTIVE” tests and these include mammograms, thermograms, MRI's and Ultrasounds. And while these tests are a vital part of early detection which increases survival rates, they are not effective in detecting risk factors and helping patients PREVENT breast cancer. This brings us to the second category of tests, which we refer to as "PROACTIVE" tests. Proactive tests includie the Estrogen Metabolite Index and the Estrogen Quotient tests. Additionally, there are other lab values that are a part of our standard Comprehensive Initial Assessment that are correlated with breast cancer, including vitamin D levels.

Our Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Program includes our comprehensive initial assessment plus the two Proactive tests mentioned above and a second office visit. This allows time with Dr. Lawson to review findings from these tests and understand how balancing hormines, correcting "gut" issues and metabolic imbalances can help you decrease your risk factors for breast cancer. And while there are not many sure bets in life, this approach affords you the best opportunity to minimize risk factors that are associated with this disease. The table below summarizes our Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Program.

Proactive Wellness Center's Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Program
Program Element	Program Details
Comprehensive Initial Assessment (Standard)	The program begins with our standard Comprehensive Initial Assessment (CIA), which includes: Review of detailed health history form to be completed by patient Development of customized lab requisition using the preliminary diagnosis developed during review of the health history form Review of lab results 1 hour consultation with patient. During this visit, the physician will probe issues that were disclosed by patient or uncovered by the lab tests, discuss additional tests that may be indicated (e.g. saliva tests for hormones, comprehensive metabolic profile) and provide a preliminary diagnosis
Estrogen Quotient	24 hour urine test that measures all of the estrogens that are produced The Estrogen Quotient identifies the ratio of "strong" estrogens (Estrone, Estradiol) to the weak one (Estriol). Strong Estrogens may increase your risk for breast cancer
Estrogen Metabolite Index	The Estrogen Metabolite Index also known as the 2/16 OHE1 ratio represents the ratio of 2 OH to 16 OH The ideal value for 2/16 OHE 1 is > 2.4 A proper balance in the 2/16 OHE1 ratio is one of the keys to optimal health
1 Follow-up Office Visit	Office visit with the following goals: Explanation of results of Estrogen Metabolite Index and Estrogen Quotient tests Correlation of these results with the patient's health history form, standard lab tests, symptoms and genetic risk factors to provide an overall picture of the patient's risk for breast cancer. Discussion of possible interventions including nutritional supplements, medical foods, prescription medications and bioidentical hormones, all designed to address imbalances and factors that contribute to higher risks for breast cancer and less than optimal overall health. Specific recommendations and prescriptions for nutritional supplements, medical foods and some prescription medications. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is NOT included in this program. Patients who require and desire BHRT must subscribe to one of Proactive Wellness Center's Health Assured Programs.
Nutritional Supplement Recommendations	Nutritional supplement and medical foods recommendations will be provided based on the results of the Assessment
Patient Education	Includes education regarding patient's diagnosis, treatment plan and relevant educational materials