Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark: Episode Summary
Episode Title: Why Women Should Avoid Mammograms & Other Cancer Bombshells
Guest: Dr. Jennifer Simmons, MD
Release Date: October 25, 2024
Introduction: Challenging Conventional Breast Cancer Practices
In this compelling episode of Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark, host Alex Clark welcomes Dr. Jennifer Simmons, an esteemed integrative oncologist, breast surgeon, author, and founder of Perfection Imaging. Dr. Simmons delves deep into the controversial topic of mammograms and their impact on breast cancer diagnoses and treatments. The conversation aims to shed light on the often unspoken truths surrounding breast cancer screening and management.
Mammograms: A Double-Edged Sword
Dr. Simmons begins by challenging the widely accepted notion that mammograms are unequivocal lifesavers.
Dr. Simmons [00:00]: "When we talk about the mammogram, of course it's going to cause cancer. Some of the cancers that we have in our population of women that screen are because they are screening with mammogram."
She emphasizes that mammograms, while intended to detect cancer early, may lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Dr. Simmons highlights that many diagnosed through mammograms may have cancers that would never have become clinically relevant.
Dr. Simmons [02:13]: "The treatment for breast cancer right now is pretty much one size fits all... it’s disgraceful."
She critiques the standardized treatment protocols, arguing that they often do not consider individual patient needs and can result in unnecessary surgeries like mastectomies without providing a survival advantage.
Dr. Simmons [04:34]: "There is absolutely no survival advantage to mastectomy. But if you have a mastectomy... those scars run so deep."
Consequences of Conventional Treatments
Dr. Simmons discusses the severe side effects associated with standard breast cancer treatments, noting that they significantly decrease both the quality and quantity of life for many women.
Dr. Simmons [06:52]: "So you're saying there's something that we're doing when it comes to treating breast cancer that's making women sicker?"
She elaborates on how treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy can lead to numerous long-term health issues, including cardiovascular disease, which poses a greater threat to women’s health than breast cancer itself.
Alternative Screening Methods
Moving away from mammograms, Dr. Simmons advocates for alternative screening techniques that minimize harm while effectively detecting breast cancer.
Dr. Simmons [25:38]: "Thermography is not a screening tool for breast cancer."
She introduces advanced technologies like QT imaging, which uses sound waves to create a 3D reconstruction of the breast without radiation, and the ARIA tears test, which detects specific proteins in tears indicative of breast cancer risk.
Dr. Simmons [26:20]: "QT uses sound waves... you can have a true 3D reconstruction of the breast."
Dr. Simmons [30:31]: "ARIA is the tears test... determine their risk for breast cancer."
Environmental and Lifestyle Factors Influencing Cancer Risk
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on how modern environmental exposures and lifestyle choices contribute to rising breast cancer rates, especially among younger women.
Dr. Simmons [12:16]: "Hormonal birth control is not bioidentical... you're filling these girls' systems with estrogens that are foreign."
She underscores the dangers of xenoestrogens found in plastics, pesticides, and personal care products, linking them to hormonal imbalances and increased cancer risks.
Dr. Simmons [14:20]: "Plastics, fragrance, antibiotics, pesticides... they are acting abnormally on our estrogen receptors."
Diet is another critical factor, with Dr. Simmons advocating for whole food, plant-based diets to support metabolic health and strengthen the immune system.
Dr. Simmons [47:49]: "There is no benefit to anyone eating processed food ever."
Dr. Simmons’ Personal Journey and Transformation
Dr. Simmons shares her personal battle with breast cancer, detailing how her experiences as both a surgeon and a patient led her to embrace integrative medicine.
Dr. Simmons [57:48]: "He healed me and he changed the life of millions of women with breast cancer because he put me on this path."
Her story underscores the importance of questioning conventional treatments and seeking holistic approaches to health and healing.
Holistic Treatment and Prevention Recommendations
Dr. Simmons provides actionable advice for women newly diagnosed with breast cancer, emphasizing informed decision-making and personalized health plans.
Dr. Simmons [75:48]: "Get informed, get educated, build your team, decide what you want, decide what feels right for you."
She advocates for incorporating medicinal mushrooms, maintaining optimal vitamin D levels, managing blood sugar and inflammation, and eliminating toxic substances from one’s environment.
Dr. Simmons [59:44]: "Everyone needs to know about medicinal mushrooms... they help regulate your immune system."
Healing a Sick Culture: Final Insights
Concluding the episode, Dr. Simmons offers a broader perspective on societal health, advocating for reconnecting with natural rhythms and reducing exposure to artificial environments.
Dr. Simmons [79:56]: "We've become so overexposed to artificial light... spend more time outside in natural surroundings."
She emphasizes the necessity of shifting from a "sick care" system to a "health care" system that prioritizes prevention and holistic well-being.
Notable Quotes:
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Dr. Simmons [06:57]: "If breast cancer treatment were a benign entity, that would be something. But when we treat women for breast cancer, we significantly decrease the quality and the quantity of her life."
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Dr. Simmons [07:59]: "You can't ever say that a mammogram saved someone's life."
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Dr. Simmons [21:10]: "Functional medicine is always the end. You can take something from conventional medicine, but it's never going to make you healthier."
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Dr. Simmons [79:57]: "Health is a journey that you have to stay on this journey every day."
Conclusion: Empowering Women Through Education and Choice
This episode of Culture Apothecary serves as a critical examination of current breast cancer screening and treatment practices, advocating for a more individualized and holistic approach. Dr. Jennifer Simmons empowers women to take control of their health by making informed decisions, embracing natural prevention methods, and challenging the status quo of conventional medicine.
For those seeking further guidance, Dr. Simmons directs listeners to her resources at realhealthmd.com and encourages engagement with her community through personalized and group programming, as well as her ongoing podcast, Keeping Abreast with Dr. Jen.
Listen to the full episode on Spotify or Alex Clark’s YouTube Channel.