The Breast Cancer Risk Nobody Talks About

October 15, 2013

Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS

Award-winning nutritionist and New York Times bestselling author.

Environmental Health | Women's Health | Zapped

Radiation from electrical and wireless gadgets can damage DNA and activate tumor growth.

Israeli scientists have found that low-frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs)—produced by cell and cordless phones, hair dryers, electronics, faulty wiring, microwave ovens, PDAs, power lines, TVs, and WiFi—have “a statistically significant influence on the formation” of the most common form of breast cancer.

Following close to 1,300 clinical case records of older women—those with the highest incidence of mammary tumors—for over 26 years, researchers report that these women used personal computers at least three hours a day, as well as mobile phones and common electrical appliances that emit EMFs.

Not only is today’s home a source of electropollution, but a large, population-based study in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine also reports that EMFs in the American workplace elevate breast cancer risk. Research on the effect of EMF exposure on human mammary tumor cells finds that electropollution affects numerous biological processes. One such process clearly involves melatonin production in the body.

The Melatonin Connection

“Power-line frequency and microwave electromagnetic fields” significantly disrupt melatonin, convincingly proving “the negative effect of EMFs on the anti-estrogenic effect of melatonin in breast cancer cells,” German scientists write in another study.

Very low levels of melatonin are found in children with precocious puberty—another risk factor for breast cancer. And adult women’s production of melatonin declines during menopause, which may help explain why we are more likely to develop breast cancer as we grow older.

Samuel Milham, MD, PhD, at the Washington State Department of Health traces the rise in cancer and other degenerative diseases in this country to electrification, rather than lifestyle. From the widespread use of the light bulb—one of the most life-changing events in the past 10,000 years—to our unprecedented use of electrical appliances—from alarm clocks and radios, curling irons and razors to conveyor belts and computers, electrocardiograms and MRIs—we have exponentially increased our exposure to man-made EMFs. Today, we are bathed daily in more than 100 million times the electromagnetic radiation that our grandparents experienced.

The good news, says Dr. Milham, is that by reducing our exposure to electropollution a large proportion of debilitating diseases can be prevented. That’s why I wrote Zapped with—count ’em—over 1,200 ways to protect against the electropollution that surrounds us all 24/7 today. For starters, consider melatonin for breast cancer protection.

A hormone created by the pineal gland deep inside the brain, melatonin does more than regulate the sleep-wake cycle—it can save your life! Low melatonin levels have not only been implicated in breast cancer but also in melanoma—the deadliest kind of skin cancer—as well as malignancies of the ovary and prostate.

Melatonin enhances the effectiveness of your body’s immune cells (called lymphocytes) to fight off foreign invaders, including mutated cells, stimulating the body’s immune response. This remarkable hormone bolsters immunity even further by increasing the antioxidant activity of detoxifying glutathione and anti-inflammatory superoxide dismutase (SOD).

Take 1 or more 3mg tablet(s) of time-released Melatonin at bedtime (or as advised by a health care professional). Unlike any other Melatonin supplement on the market, this formula also contains manganese, selenium, and zinc—additional all-star protectors—for optimum antioxidant benefits against cancer and other degenerative diseases. Manganese, known as the “cell protector” is an important antioxidant to form SOD—a key bodyguard enzyme that protects against cell-damaging environmental toxins and pollutants. Selenium activates the thyroid hormone. This special enzyme that activates T4—the precursor to T3—depends upon it. Without selenium, thyroid therapy is incomplete and can result in a sluggish metabolism and being overweight. Zinc, incredible as an immune booster and for wound health, is also the “anti-anxiety” mineral, so you will sleep more soundly.

Other Breast Cancer Protection

Vitamin D plays an important role in breast cancer progression, a new study in the journal BMC Cancer shows. Not surprisingly, the active form of the “sunshine” vitamin—calcitrol or D3—is also radioprotective, even against low-level EMFs.

Take one capsule a day (or as recommended by a health care professional) of Vitamin D-5000 with calcitrol. In addition to helping facilitate communication between cells—which EMFs interrupt—vitamin D activates the body’s immune response, fights depression, heart disease, and flu, while helping to build and strengthen bones.

Another Zap-Proof Supplement that protects against breast cancer is the antioxidant coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Absolutely essential to the mitochondria in the cells, CoQ10 supplementation has been linked to tumor reduction in some breast cancer trials. University of Miami researchers suggest that CoQ10 inhibits cancer cell division, leading to the programmed death of these dangerous cells. As we grow older, our bodies produce less of this vital antioxidant, making it advisable to take 100 to 300 mg of CoQ10 daily.

For postmenopausal women, the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC) study links a healthy weight and regular physical activity with lower breast cancer risk. So, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, join in one of the many walks promoted all around the country and enjoy a little sunshine. Just turn off your cell phone when you go—and never carry it in your bra!

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8 Comments

Ann Louise Gittleman on October 15, 2013 at 11:25 am

Dear John:

Your post truly made my day and I thank you for your research which validates what I have put forth in Zapped. When we finally do realize the hidden dangers of EMFs, it will probably be too late!
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Sarah on October 15, 2013 at 4:13 pm

Are you supposed to take melatonin even if you have no problems sleeping? I want to do everything that I can to stay healthy. I have never taken it but I purchased 1mg tablets for my 15 year old daughter. She was having trouble sleeping and falling asleep. It made her too sleepy during the day and couldn’t take it.
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- Sierra on October 16, 2013 at 12:59 pm
  
  You may experiment with the timing of taking it- some research indicates that between 7 and 8 pm is ideal if you are intending to be in bed around 10 pm. This works like a charm for me. Also, if that 1 mg tab for your daughter is making her groggy, you might try a time-release formula, which fixed that problem for me.
  Reply
Georgia on October 16, 2013 at 10:32 am

This subject has always interested me. I am using Earthing products to help out, how much help are they? I know that Ms. Gittleman recommends them. Also, I have the little circles to put on my phone, etc…do they also benefit? What more can be done? We have a relative who had breast cancer in the very spot where she tucked her phone in her bra, though there is no “real” proof that it is a direct cause and effect, it’s enough to warn me! Thanks for this article and response.
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- Sierra on October 16, 2013 at 2:50 pm
  
  Hi Georgia, It seems that Earthing does promote healthy levels of melatonin! I would certainly continue with that, and I’ve heard that the ‘circles’ for your phone can be helpful as well.
  Reply
John McPhee on October 16, 2013 at 6:01 pm

I have 30 years of experience in product evaluation and regulation, and Zapped is the very best guide book I have found regarding the safe and proper use of modern technology.
The Russian National Committee on Protection from Non-Ionizing Radiation recently put out a press release announcing that they will donate 50 years of research to Western countries because we are willingly putting ourselves in so much danger, and also requested that we immediately remove wireless technology from schools. The Israeli Minister of Health also put out a press release advising all countires to remove wireless technology from schools this year as well. The Swedish government has announced that cell phone use is not safe for either pregnant women or small children, and our own American Academy of Environmental Health endorses all of these pronouncements from other countries.
Let me also advise you to turn off any wireless Internet or other products when not in use and always before going to bed, and ask your neighbors to do the same, as the average home system penetrates 575 ft. through walls. I have read more than 40 books on the subject of electromagnetic radiation, and Zapped is the most well organized, as well as succiently written. It also carefully explains, in terms we can all understand, the subtle electrical processes the human body generates itself, and how we must be careful to protect those physiological operations from interference by electromagnetic radiation in order to protect our children and our own health.
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- Sierra on October 16, 2013 at 2:53 pm
  
  John, we are thrilled with your review of Zapped! Would you kindly follow this link to post your review on Amazon? http://www.amazon.com/Zapped-Phone-Shouldnt-Outsmart-Hazards/dp/B0092GGFK2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1381953110&sr=8-2&keywords=ann+louise+gittleman+zapped
  It would be much appreciated! Thank you again 🙂
  Reply
Marina on October 18, 2013 at 10:40 am

Thank you so much for this update on the scientific data and research related to EMF. Zapped is indeed an excellent book. Like global warming and climate change, we must come to terms with the “inconvenient truth” about our electrical and wireless devices. And like our history with tobacco usage, we must acknowledge both the direct effects and secondary effects – direct harm to the user and secondary harm to those nearby. Individuals like Dr. Gittleman and John McPhee are giving voice to the facts and data which will surely not come to us from the manufacturers and vendors of our electrical and wireless devices/services. Our greatest challenge will be to advance a national policy to implement safeguards and protections, particularly for our children and grandchildren and all generations to come.
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