Understanding Breast Cancer

Receptors, Treatment, and the Role of Supportive Naturopathic Care

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women worldwide, but advancements in both conventional and integrative medicine have made a significant impact on outcomes. Understanding the biology of breast cancer—particularly the role of hormone receptors like ER (estrogen receptor), PR (progesterone receptor), and HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2)—is crucial in guiding treatment decisions.

 The Role of Receptors: ER, PR, and HER2

Each breast cancer tumor has a unique profile, and testing for receptor status helps classify the cancer and determine the most effective treatments:

• ER+ (Estrogen Receptor Positive) and PR+ (Progesterone Receptor Positive) cancers grow in response to these hormones. Hormonal therapies such as tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors are often used to block this stimulation.

• HER2+ cancers have an overexpression of the HER2 protein, which promotes aggressive cell growth. Targeted therapies like trastuzumab (Herceptin) are designed specifically for HER2+ cancers.

• Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) lacks ER, PR, and HER2 receptors, and tends to be more aggressive. It is typically treated with chemotherapy.

Understanding receptor status is essential for creating a personalized, evidence-based treatment plan.

Conventional Treatments: Surgery, Chemotherapy, Radiation

Breast cancer treatment often involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, depending on the stage and type of cancer.

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

This refers to chemotherapy given before surgery to shrink the tumor, making it easier to remove. It’s especially helpful in large tumors or in HER2+ or triple negative cases, and can sometimes allow for breast-conserving surgery instead of mastectomy.

Adjuvant Chemotherapy

This is chemotherapy given after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. Adjuvant treatment may also include radiation and/or hormone therapy depending on the cancer’s features.

Supportive Naturopathic Care: Complementing Conventional Treatments

As a naturopathic doctor with experience in integrative cancer care, I support patients through every phase of their breast cancer journey—before, during, and after treatment. My goal is to reduce side effects, improve resilience, and enhance quality of life without interfering with conventional therapies.

Here’s how naturopathic care can support breast cancer patients:

During Chemotherapy & Radiation

• IV Mistletoe therapy (where appropriate and oncologist-approved) to support immune function ,increase the quality of life and decrease the side effects of chemotherapy

• Acupuncture to relieve nausea, pain, and neuropathy.

• Nutrition support to help maintain weight, strength, and digestion.

• Herbal and supplement guidance to safely reduce inflammation, support detox pathways, and manage stress.

  
  

During and After Surgery

• Support healing with natural anti-inflammatory therapies.

• Optimize nutritional status to promote tissue repair.

• Manage anxiety and sleep with gentle, evidence-informed botanicals and mind-body techniques.

  
  

Long-Term Recovery & Prevention

• Hormonal balance support, especially for ER/PR+ cases post-hormonal therapy.

• Detoxification and liver support post-chemotherapy.

• Emotional and mental health strategies, including stress management and trauma-informed care.

• Lifestyle coaching to maintain healthy weight, activity, and diet for prevention.

  
  

A Collaborative Approach

Supportive naturopathic cancer care works in collaboration with your oncology team. I believe in a patient-centered, integrative model that brings together the best of conventional and naturopathic medicine to help you not just survive—but truly thrive.

If you or a loved one is navigating a breast cancer diagnosis and are interested in supportive naturopathic care in Newmarket or Vaughan, feel free to reach out. I’d be honoured to walk beside you on this journey.

Book a free 15 minute discovery call to see how I can help you.

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Questions? send me an email: AskDrShivaND@gmail.com