TPE Blueprint Podcast Ep.25: How to Prevent Breast Cancer – Dr. Pamela W. Smith’s 19 Modifiable Factors

Home / The TPE Blueprint Podcasts / TPE Blueprint Podcast Ep.25: How to Prevent Breast Cancer – Dr. Pamela W. Smith’s 19 Modifiable Factors

Introduction: Meet Dr. Pam Smith

On this special Breast Cancer Awareness Month episode of the TPE Blueprint Podcast, host Joe Fier welcomes back Dr. Pamela W. Smith—internationally recognized physician, educator, and author of How to Prevent Breast Cancer Before and After Diagnosis. With nearly five decades in integrative medicine and a deeply personal connection to breast cancer, Dr. Smith delivers hopeful, actionable guidance for lowering your risk—whether or not you’ve ever had a diagnosis.

Why This Book, Why Now: Dr. Pam Smith’s Personal Mission

Breast cancer struck Dr. Smith’s family repeatedly, shaping her mission from a young age. Today, she’s made it her life’s work to empower women with up-to-date science, demonstrating that while six risk factors for breast cancer can’t be changed (family history, age, genetic mutations, early menstruation, late menopause, and breast density), an astounding 19 modifiable factors ARE within your control.

Breast Cancer: The Epidemic and the Hope

The numbers are sobering: 1 in 7 women will face breast cancer in their lifetime. But less than 20% of cases are inherited. The rest? Modifiable factors that can be addressed through lifestyle, environment, and personalized medicine.

Dr. Pam Smith’s 19 Modifiable Breast Cancer Risk Factors

Dr. Pam Smith’s book pinpoints the most powerful areas for prevention and healing:

  1. Diet – Anti-inflammatory, Mediterranean-style eating; minimize sugar and high-fructose corn syrup.
  2. Alcohol – Minimize or avoid; women metabolize alcohol differently, which increases estrogen.
  3. Exercise – Boosts immune function and reduces inflammation.
  4. Weight – Address obesity and high blood sugar.
  5. Smoking – Strongly raises risk.
  6. Hormone Balance – Natural, personalized hormone therapy with proper testing (saliva, not just blood).
  7. Avoiding Environmental Toxins – Reduce plastics (BPA, phthalates), pesticides, heavy metals, mold, and chemical-laden personal care products.
  8. Breastfeeding – If possible, it lowers risk, but detox before pregnancy is key.
  9. Childbearing Age – Earlier first pregnancy reduces risk (but Dr. Smith stresses this is for information, not pressure).
  10. Methylation – Support genetic detox pathways through targeted supplements after testing.
  11. Gut Health – 70% of the immune system is in the gut; stool testing can guide personalized care.
  12. Vitamin D – Aim for blood levels between 55-80 for best protection (works for men and women).
  13. Stress – Reduce chronic cortisol with meditation, prayer, yoga, and adaptogenic herbs.
  14. Lowering Cholesterol – Linked to lower breast cancer risk.
  15. Managing Infections – Especially chronic, low-grade inflammation.
  16. Personalized Detox – Therapeutic plasma exchange combined with nutrients can powerfully remove accumulated toxins.
  17. Safe Personal Care Products – Choose simple, non-toxic ingredients; if you can’t pronounce it, skip it.
  18. Clean Water and Air – Use proper filtration.
  19. Addressing Methylation Defects and Estrogen Metabolism – Specialized testing (homocysteine, first-morning urine) can guide personalized supplements for optimal detox.

Understanding Toxins: How Plastics, Chemicals, and Mold Affect Hormones

Dr. Smith explains how common toxins mimic hormones, binding to estrogen receptors and increasing cancer risk. Microplastics and endocrine disruptors are everywhere: in food wrappers, personal care products, and even masks. But science has evolved: through therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) and targeted nutrition, 92-100% of BPAs and other toxins can now be cleared from the body—a major leap in prevention and recovery.

Best Testing for Breast Cancer Risk (and Recurrence)

Dr. Pam Smith recommends:

  • Saliva hormone panels for accurate hormone balancing
  • Homocysteine and methylation bloodwork 
  • Vitamin D blood test (look for D3) 
  • First-morning urine for estrogen breakdown 
  • 24-hour urine for toxins (ask about microplastics testing options in the U.S. and Europe) 
  • Comprehensive stool testing for gut health

Quick-Action Checklist: What You Can Do Now

  • Start or improve a Mediterranean, anti-inflammatory diet.
  • Cut sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, and alcohol.
  • Test and optimize vitamin D and methylation status.
  • Detox your home—especially personal care, cleaning, and plastic products.
  • Move your body daily.
  • Address stress head-on. Find healing practices you enjoy.
  • Seek out a personalized medicine practitioner for tailored testing and support.

FAQs with Dr. Pam Smith

Q: If I have a family history of breast cancer, am I doomed? 

A: No. Only 10-20% of breast cancer is inherited. The rest is within your control through prevention.

Q: Is hormone therapy safe if I have a family history of breast cancer? 

A: Properly balanced, natural hormones (tested by saliva) are protective. The key is personalization and correct dosing.

Q: What are the biggest everyday toxins to ditch right now? 

A: Plastics (especially BPA), synthetic personal care products, and foods with high-fructose corn syrup.

 

Q: Is there a single dietary change that makes the biggest difference? 

A: Adopting a Mediterranean, anti-inflammatory diet and dramatically reducing sugar.

Q: How can men benefit from this information? 

A: All 19 factors help prevent both prostate and male breast cancer—vital information for men too.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

Dr. Pam Smith’s message is one of hope and empowerment. Breast cancer prevention and recurrence are in your hands—19 risk factors are modifiable, and science is on your side. Whether you’re seeking to prevent, treat, or avoid recurrence, start with testing, clean up your environment, and embrace a personalized, proactive approach.

Ready to reclaim your health? Explore MDLifespan’s resources for detox and personalized health, and pick up Dr. Smith’s book, How to Prevent Breast Cancer Before and After Diagnosis, for a full plan of action.

👉 Find the book at any major bookstore or on Amazon.
👉 Learn more about TPE and plasma detox protocols at MDLifespan.

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