Breast Cancer Awareness: From The Eastern and Western Medicine Perspective
- Andrea Izquierdo
- 6 days ago
- 13 min read
An integrative discussion with Dr. Andrea Izquierdo, LAc., and Melissa Studebaker, ARNP, Oncology Nurse Practitioner at Cancer Care Centers of Brevard.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to educate, support, and empower women to take charge of their health. At Bodhi TCM Acupuncture in Melbourne, Florida, we believe awareness grows when both Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) come together.
In this special collaboration, Dr. Andrea Izquierdo, LAc, and Melissa Studebaker, ARNP-C, from Cancer Care Centers of Brevard, share an open conversation about prevention, early detection, and how integrative care can help patients through treatment and recovery.
From genetic testing and mammograms to acupuncture for neuropathy, nausea, and fatigue, their discussion offers practical insights for anyone in Brevard County looking to stay proactive with their health or support a loved one navigating breast cancer.
Key Takeaways
Genetic testing and screenings can identify risk early and guide proactive choices.
Most breast cancers are not genetic. Lifestyle factors play a major role in reducing risk.
Knowing your body through regular self-checks and mammograms is essential.
Lifestyle medicine matters: nutrition, movement, weight management, stress, and sleep all influence hormone balance and inflammation.
Chemotherapy side effects like neuropathy and nausea can be eased through integrative care such as acupuncture.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) supports circulation, digestion, and immune strength—key for prevention and recovery.
Western and Eastern medicine together offer a fuller, patient-centered approach to healing.
A Shared Mission of Awareness
Dr. Andrea Izquierdo, owner of Bodhi TCM Acupuncture in Melbourne FL, sat down with Melissa Studebaker, oncology nurse practitioner at Cancer Care Centers of Brevard, to talk about what patients should know about breast-cancer risk, screening, and holistic care.
“The word cancer still brings fear,” Melissa said. “But treatment has evolved. There are new targeted and immunotherapies. Cancer today can often be managed—and conquered.”
Dr. Andrea agreed, adding that awareness itself is a form of medicine:
“When people know what to ask and where to start, they begin their healing journey from a place of power rather than fear.”
Genetic Testing and Early Detection
Melissa explained that 75% of cancers are not genetically related “Most women diagnosed have no family history,” she noted, “so screenings are still vital.”
She encourages women to:
Know their family history and discuss genetic testing if appropriate.
Begin mammograms around age 40—earlier if a close relative was diagnosed young.
Get a clinical breast exam every year and perform monthly self-checks to notice changes in texture, density, or tenderness.
Dr. Andrea highlighted the importance of understanding how hormonal changes across the menstrual cycle affect breast tissue. Regular self-checks, she said, help women distinguish what’s normal for their own bodies from what’s new or concerning.
Lifestyle and Breast-Cancer Risk
Lifestyle was a major focus of their discussion.
Melissa shared that diet, weight, exercise, and stress all influence risk. “Women who maintain a healthy weight, eat whole foods, and move regularly reduce their lifetime risk of developing breast cancer,” she explained.
Dr. Andrea expanded with the TCM view:
“In Chinese medicine, the digestive system is linked to the breast through the stomach meridian. Poor digestion and dampness can create stagnation—what we might call inflammation—that, over time, can lead to nodules or tumors.”
They both emphasized that stress, lack of sleep, and processed foods can fuel inflammation and hormonal imbalance, while balanced meals, rest, and emotional regulation strengthen resilience.
Navigating Treatment and Side Effects
When asked what happens after a diagnosis, Melissa explained that breast-cancer treatment depends on the stage and hormone-receptor type. “Early-stage patients may only need surgery or localized radiation,” she said. “More advanced cases often include chemotherapy or targeted drug therapy.”
One of the most challenging side effects she sees is chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy—pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands and feet.
“Those symptoms can last a lifetime,” Melissa said. “Medication options are limited.”
Dr. Andrea responded:
“Acupuncture is incredibly effective for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy once the drug exposure ends. We focus on regenerating circulation and nerve signaling. Patients regain strength and sensation without relying solely on medications.”
She noted that acupuncture can also help relieve nausea, fatigue, and anxiety, improving quality of life during treatment.Learn more about Bodhi’s integrative approach to peripheral-neuropathy relief.
Diet, Digestion, and Recovery
Nutrition came up repeatedly. While Western oncology often recommends yogurt for probiotics, Dr. Andrea offered a TCM perspective:
“Dairy can create phlegm and slow digestion, especially when the body is already taxed by treatment. A high-quality probiotic and warm, nourishing foods like soups and rice broths can support digestion and energy better.”
Melissa agreed that diet quality is crucial: “Patients think they need calories at any cost, but it’s nutrition that helps the body heal. Fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins make a real difference.”
They also discussed avoiding cold, raw, or spicy foods that can tax digestion and focusing on gentle, easy-to-digest meals that help the body recover strength.
Screening Technology and Safety
Melissa reviewed the differences between mammograms, MRIs, ultrasounds, and thermal scans. She reassured patients that radiation exposure from mammograms is minimal—less than common dental X-rays—and that the benefit of early detection far outweighs the small risk.
“Time is essential,” she said. “Catching cancer at an early stage changes everything.”
Dr. Andrea added that technologies like thermal imaging can be useful conversation starters. “In TCM, we focus on circulation,” she said. “If an area shows heat or stagnation, it’s a sign the body needs better flow and balance.”
Western and Eastern Medicine: Different Languages, Shared Goals
The conversation highlighted how integrative care bridges two worlds.
“We might speak different medical languages,” Dr. Andrea said, “but our goal is the same—to help the body restore balance and health.”
Melissa agreed:
“Anything that lowers stress, reduces inflammation, and improves circulation supports recovery. Combining approaches gives patients the best chance.”
Final Thoughts
Both experts closed with a message of awareness and empowerment.
“Know your body,” Melissa said. “If something feels off, get it checked. Schedule your screenings. Awareness saves lives.”
Dr. Andrea smiled and added:
“That’s exactly what Bodhi means—awareness. Through awareness, we can prevent, heal, and live more fully.”
Related Resources
At Bodhi TCM Acupuncture in Melbourne, Florida, our mission is to help the Brevard County community stay informed, empowered, and supported through every stage of health. Conversations like this one remind us that awareness, prevention, and integrative care go hand in hand. Using acupuncture and Chinese medicine, patients can strengthen their bodies, ease treatment side effects, and improve overall well-being.
(Full transcript follows below the article for readers who prefer the complete conversation.)
Transcript
Full Transcript: Breast Cancer Awareness Conversation with Oncology Nurse Melissa Studebaker
00:00:00Dr. Andrea:Hi everyone, I'm Dr. Andrea, licensed acupuncturist and owner of Bodhi TCM Acupuncture here in Melbourne, Florida. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and I am so honored to be here with Melissa Studebaker, an advanced registered nurse practitioner specializing in oncology at Cancer Care Centers of Brevard. We're here to have a conversation about prevention, screenings, and how both Western and Chinese medicine can support patients going through that journey. First of all, let's start with a little bit of your introduction. How long you've been doing this and why did you specialize in oncology?
00:00:35Melissa:Okay, sure. I've been a nurse since 1991, and one of the first units that I worked on was an oncology unit. It's just a unique part of medicine because it's always evolving and always changing. Cancer treatments are always improving. The whole field is exciting and always challenging. I went and got my master's degree and my nurse practitioner's license in 2008, so I've been a provider since that time. Focusing especially on women's health is really important to me because I think there's a need for women to be able to talk to other women about health care and cancer especially. Even today, people are still very scared when they get a cancer diagnosis, with great reason. But now there are so many new treatments available, including targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and new ways for us to tackle cancer that it's really become a disease that can be conquered. Twenty or thirty years ago, we would be having much different conversations with patients.
00:02:05Dr. Andrea:Yeah, I think that the word cancer, no matter what comes before it—breast cancer, colon cancer, whatever—it's a very scary thing. Part of that fear and the natural way that our body reacts to it is shock. It leaves you with so many questions that you don't even know where to begin.
00:02:30Melissa:Exactly, and having that support with practitioners on the patient's journey is essential.
00:02:36Dr. Andrea:Absolutely.
00:02:37Melissa:The diagnosis is the very first step in the whole journey. It's a life-changing word, really. You have your life before cancer and after cancer.
00:02:55Dr. Andrea:When you see your patients, are they already on their journey?
00:03:00Melissa:We see patients from before diagnosis all the way until the end of their lives. For instance, we’ll see a patient who has a family history of cancer and is interested in genetic testing. Maybe they're at higher risk. They might have a grandmother or cousin who’s had cancer and they want to know their own risk. Many times, we find out there's no genetic connection and they don't have any increased risk of cancer. Sometimes we do find an inherited gene, especially two that are more known because of media coverage—BRCA1 and BRCA2. These increase a woman's lifetime risk of developing cancer depending on the gene and type of cancer. We see both of these increase the risk of breast cancer by more than 50 percent, which is a big number. Those people aren't necessarily going to develop cancer, but they're at a much higher risk than the general population, which is about 12 percent.
00:04:45We offer enhanced screenings like more frequent mammograms, breast MRIs, and sometimes prophylactic surgery—mastectomy before cancer develops. We may also offer oral medications to decrease estrogen production, which can drive cancer. There are many things we can offer someone with a family history or genetic predisposition to help prevent them from developing cancer in the future.
00:05:36Dr. Andrea:What would you recommend people in general do if they don’t have a family history?
00:05:43Melissa:Believe it or not, 75 percent of breast cancers have no genetic or family relation. There are many women who need to know what they can do to keep themselves healthy. One important thing that people don't talk about enough is knowing what your own breasts feel like. Lots of women don’t do self-breast exams, maybe because they feel intimidated or unsure of what’s normal. I tell people you just need to know what your breasts feel like so that if you notice something different, you’ll know to have it checked.
00:06:33Everyone’s breasts are different. Some have dense or fibrous breasts, others have more fatty tissue. What’s important is knowing your own normal so you can recognize a difference. You should also have a clinical breast exam by a provider once a year. I think all women should have mammograms. Recommendations say to start at 40, but that’s just a guideline. Women with family history, especially if their mother or grandmother was diagnosed early, should start earlier.
00:07:37If a woman has breast pain or any changes in her breasts, she should have a mammogram done.
00:07:42Dr. Andrea:Before we go further, not only once a year but with the changes in hormones, the breast tissue can change too, right?
00:07:56Melissa:Absolutely. Knowing what’s normal for you throughout your cycle is important.
00:08:01Dr. Andrea:Exactly. If you have fibrocystic breasts, you might feel more density or discomfort throughout your cycle. It’s important to recognize what’s normal for you and check regularly.
00:08:31Melissa:Yes, a woman should check her breasts at least once a month.
00:08:39Dr. Andrea:What should women look for?
00:08:40Melissa:A hard area, pain, redness, or any discharge from the breast—those should be investigated. Breasts can change texture and tenderness throughout the month, so checking at different times is helpful. Anytime something feels questionable, get it checked out.
00:09:19Dr. Andrea:What can women do to be proactive with lifestyle?
00:09:23Melissa:Research shows that diet, exercise, and lifestyle all play a role. Avoid processed foods, eat healthy, and include all food groups. Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. Studies show women who are obese tend to have more breast cancer than those who aren’t. Keeping physically fit and maintaining a stable weight helps reduce risk. Not smoking and limiting caffeine and alcohol are also important.
00:10:26Dr. Andrea:Yes, those everyday stressors—poor diet, fatigue, smoking—can snowball into larger problems. If you have a lifestyle that supports health, even if you carry a genetic risk, it’s less likely to express.
00:10:54Melissa:Exactly. Lifestyle plays a big role.
00:11:05Dr. Andrea:From the Chinese medicine perspective, this makes sense because the digestive system is closely linked to the breast. The stomach channel runs through the breast, and if digestion is weak, it can create phlegm that, over time, can manifest as cysts or tumors. The stomach and spleen create the energy the body uses daily. When they’re not functioning well, inflammation and stagnation build up. Fat tissue stores estrogen, and most breast cancers are estrogen-driven. So it’s all connected.
00:13:02Melissa:That’s amazing. I didn’t know that correlation. Stress and sleep are also huge factors. Anything that quiets stress and calms inflammation helps reduce the risk of developing cancer.
00:13:40Dr. Andrea:Absolutely. It’s the epigenetics—the things we can control in our environment—that influence expression.
00:13:41Dr. Andrea:What are the big side effects people face once treatment begins?
00:13:45Melissa:Treatment depends on the type and stage of breast cancer. Early-stage estrogen-positive cancers may only require surgery, possibly some radiation, and then an estrogen blocker. Someone with more advanced cancer or HER2-positive receptors may require chemotherapy. Chemotherapy has many side effects—nausea, fatigue, and peripheral neuropathy are some of the most common. Neuropathy, in particular, can significantly affect quality of life.
00:17:05Dr. Andrea:Peripheral neuropathy is something we treat frequently. Once chemotherapy ends and the drugs are no longer in the system, the body can start regenerating circulation to the nerves. We see excellent results in our clinic—patients regain sensation and function in their hands and feet.
00:17:41Melissa:Medication options for neuropathy are limited. Drugs like gabapentin often don’t provide relief. I’ve found that therapies like acupuncture, meditation, and similar approaches are often more effective than medication.
00:18:02Dr. Andrea:Exactly. Acupuncture works beautifully for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. We see the body restore nerve circulation once treatment stops. Results are often life-changing for patients.
00:18:59Melissa:Nausea is another major side effect during chemotherapy. Medications can help, but other strategies can make a difference too—like mindfulness, diet, and self-care.
00:19:05Dr. Andrea:Yes, nausea tends to peak after each round of chemotherapy. Acupuncture helps calm the mind and stomach and supports the body through the process so patients stay stronger overall.
00:19:18Melissa:Patients are often told to eat yogurt for probiotics during treatment, but I’d love to hear your perspective from Chinese medicine.
00:19:24Dr. Andrea:In Chinese medicine, yogurt and dairy actually create phlegm, which can weigh down digestion—especially when the body is already working hard during treatment. Instead, we recommend a high-quality probiotic supplement. It’s more effective and easier on the body.We also advise warm, cooked foods like soups and stews instead of cold salads or iced drinks, which weaken digestion. The key is keeping the digestive system strong, since that’s how the body generates daily energy and heals.
00:21:59Melissa:That’s interesting. Nutrition really is critical during treatment. Some people think they need to “pack in calories,” but quality matters more than quantity. They still need nutrient-dense food—fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
00:22:32Dr. Andrea:Yes. It’s about eating to nourish, not just to eat. Many patients think eating salads or skipping meals is healthy, but they need balanced, warming foods that truly support their body’s energy.
00:23:41Melissa:Exactly.
00:23:47Dr. Andrea:What’s the number one thing people should know when it comes to breast cancer awareness?
00:23:52Melissa:Get your screenings. You have to get mammograms every year so doctors can compare results and catch changes early. A mass has to reach a certain size before you can feel it, but imaging can detect things that are only a few millimeters.Sometimes I meet women in their 50s who’ve never had a mammogram, and by the time they do, it’s late-stage breast cancer. If they’d been screened regularly, it might have been found and treated much earlier.
00:27:04Dr. Andrea:So mammograms are the first line of screening. When is an MRI or ultrasound used?
00:27:28Melissa:Yes, we start with a screening mammogram. If the radiologist can’t see something clearly, they’ll order a diagnostic mammogram and possibly an ultrasound. For women with dense breast tissue, an MRI may provide a better look.If you rate imaging on a scale of one to ten, MRI might detect slightly more detail, but for the average woman, a mammogram is enough.
00:30:48Dr. Andrea:What about radiation exposure?
00:30:50Melissa:Good question. A mammogram uses a small amount of radiation. On average, people get about three units of radiation from natural exposure in the environment each year, and a mammogram adds about four.An MRI involves a bit more radiation, but still very low. In fact, dental X-rays expose you to much more. So the benefit of early detection far outweighs the tiny amount of radiation.
00:32:00Dr. Andrea:That’s surprising—most people assume mammograms are higher in radiation than dental X-rays.
00:32:07Melissa:Yes, but they’re not. So radiation exposure should never be a reason to skip your mammogram.
00:32:38Dr. Andrea:Some patients ask about thermography or thermal scans. What are your thoughts on those?
00:32:58Melissa:I’m familiar with them, though I haven’t seen a direct link between positive thermal scans and confirmed cancer in my practice. I see them more as a tool to open a conversation or identify areas that may need further evaluation. They can sometimes show areas of inflammation or circulation issues, which can guide additional testing.
00:35:03Dr. Andrea:That’s what I’ve noticed too. In Chinese medicine, we see thermography as a way to visualize stagnation or circulation issues. When there’s stagnation, there’s pain; when there’s no stagnation, there’s no pain. Acupuncture helps restore circulation and movement, which keeps tissues healthy.
00:36:00Melissa:That makes sense. Essentially, cancer is a hypermetabolic state—cells growing out of control. Keeping metabolism balanced through acupuncture, diet, and exercise can reduce inflammation and potentially lower risk.
00:37:12Dr. Andrea:Exactly. Even though thermography isn’t FDA-approved for diagnosis, it can still give people useful information to discuss with their provider.
00:37:30Melissa:Right. It’s interesting technology; we just don’t use it clinically because of regulations.
00:37:45Dr. Andrea:What’s your favorite part of your job?
00:37:47Melissa:The patients, without a doubt. People often say to me, “Oh, oncology must be so sad.” But in reality, many people are cured of cancer, and we get to be part of their journey to healing. We support them through the hardest parts and celebrate their recoveries. You build real relationships with patients and their families. It’s very meaningful.
00:38:27Dr. Andrea:I feel the same way. We also work closely with chronic patients who’ve often run out of options. When they commit to their health, healing happens. Seeing them regain mobility, reduce pain, and feel hope again—it’s life-changing. Acupuncture helps activate the body’s own healing mechanisms and restore balance.
00:39:57Melissa:That’s beautiful.
00:40:00Dr. Andrea:It’s truly rewarding to see patients realize their body can heal itself once given the right support.
00:40:23Melissa:Absolutely.
00:40:27Dr. Andrea:Anything else you’d like to share before we wrap up?
00:40:29Melissa:Just that awareness and prevention matter. Know your body. Get your mammograms. Learn your family history. If you have a family link, consider genetic testing. Knowledge is power. Stay proactive with diet, exercise, and stress reduction to keep your body as healthy as possible.
00:41:31Dr. Andrea:Awareness really is everything. That’s actually what “Bodhi” means—awareness. It’s why I chose the name. Through awareness, we can change outcomes and empower people to take action early.
00:41:49Melissa:That’s wonderful. Thank you so much for inviting me to share this conversation.
00:41:56Dr. Andrea:Thank you, Melissa, for your time, your insight, and your compassion. I know this will help so many people.