A paradigm shift is underway in breast cancer treatment and prevention. Dr. Jenn Simmons, a former breast cancer surgeon turned functional medicine practitioner, is at the forefront of this revolution, advocating for a holistic, personalized approach that empowers individuals to reclaim their health and recalibrate their trajectories.
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From Breast Surgeon to Functional Medicine Advocate
Dr. Simmons' journey into functional medicine was personal, sparked by her health crisis in 2016. "I went from being probably one of the most high-functioning people you'll ever meet in your life, super woman-y, capable of doing anything, leaping the atoll building in a single bound. I go from that to basically being someone who can't walk across a room without being winded," she recounts.
Faced with the conventional treatment recommendations of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and lifelong medication, something within Dr. Simmons urged her to explore an alternative path. Her search led her to the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and, ultimately, to the life-changing principles of functional medicine.
"What I learned there is that unless we get people off of that trajectory, unless we intervene at the level of what is causing the inflammation, what is inciting this imbalance, then you're really not changing the ultimate outcome for people," Dr. Simmons explains. "Because even if they don't recur with a breast cancer, they're going to manifest some other kind of illness."
Redefining Breast Cancer Prevention
The conversation around breast cancer prevention has long been overshadowed by the emphasis on treatment. However, Dr. Simmons believes prevention should be the paramount focus, even for those already diagnosed.
"The second you have a diagnosis of breast cancer, the first, very first thing that you have to be thinking about is prevention," she asserts. "Because the most likely scenario in all comers who get breast cancer, is that they're going to get through this. But get through this for what? Because if they're just getting through this to get to their next diagnosis, then we really haven't done them a favor."
Dr. Simmons advocates for a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of chronic inflammation, which is often the underlying driver of diseases like breast cancer. This involves adopting a nutrient-dense, whole-food diet devoid of processed and chemical-laden products, regular physical activity, prioritizing quality sleep, managing stress through healthy coping mechanisms, and minimizing exposure to environmental toxins.
"Cancer is a normal response to an abnormal environment," Dr. Simmons explains. "There are things that cause an actual chemical environmental shift within us. The breast is one of those organs that is just sensitive to environmental shift."
Transforming Patient Health and Outcomes
The results of Dr. Simmons' approach speak for themselves. Having witnessed firsthand the limitations of conventional cancer treatment as a surgeon, she now observes a stark contrast in the outcomes of her functional medicine patients.
"As a surgeon, it is truly a great privilege. And I will tell you that there is no greater privilege than having the trust of someone in that situation, in the most vulnerable time of their lives, at the most vulnerable moment of their lives," she reflects. "But even more grateful that I had the opportunity to now see and know the other side. And be able to truly help people change their health for the rest of their lives."
Dr. Simmons emphasizes that extending life expectancy is not enough; the goal should be enabling individuals to thrive and maintain vitality throughout their later years. "My goal for people is to have them die young at a very old age, right? That's ultimately what we're striving for. We're striving for optimal function and that can happen, but we have to give the body what it needs and take away what it doesn't."
The Importance of Embracing Longevity
Dr. Simmons' holistic approach extends beyond breast cancer, encompassing a broader perspective on longevity and quality of life. She challenges the societal norms that often relegate the elderly to the fringes, asserting that we must embrace and value our elders as integral members of our communities.
"When you look at the blue zone populations, the populations around the world that live well into well over a hundred years, these people are really valuing their elders. Their elders help hold very high places and very high esteem in their society. They are looking to their elders. Their elders are their wise people. They have an integral role in that society."
Why Younger Generations Face Increased Cancer and Chronic Disease Factors
While the incidence of breast cancer has traditionally been associated with older age groups, Dr. Simmons notes a concerning trend of younger individuals being affected. This phenomenon extends beyond breast cancer, with chronic conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and diabetes increasingly prevalent among children and young adults.
"We have children with fatty liver. We have children with hypertension. We have children with diabetes. We have children with heart disease. We have children with diseases that were unheard of. And if you would have told me that a kid, when I was in medical school, had hypertension, I would have been like, yeah, you're wrong. Or it's something familial. It's genetic. It was unheard of. We didn't learn about it because it didn't exist. And now it's common."
Dr. Simmons attributes this alarming rise to our increasingly toxic environment, along with dietary factors and sedentary lifestyles. Environmental estrogens, or xenoestrogens, found in plastics, fragrances, and numerous household products, are particularly concerning for their potential to disrupt hormonal balance and contribute to conditions like breast cancer.
"We are not living on our grandmother's earth. We're not even living on our mother's earth. The environment that we're living in today is infinitely more toxic than anything else. And we have the cancer rates and rates of chronic disease to show it."
Debunking the Estrogen-Cancer Myth
One of the most pervasive and harmful myths surrounding breast cancer is the notion that estrogen, a vital hormone produced by the body, is the causative agent. Dr. Simmons vehemently refutes this misconception, which she traces back to the widely publicized but flawed Women's Health Initiative study.
"If estrogen caused breast cancer, that would first mean that God put women on the earth for the purposes of getting breast cancer. Okay? It's ridiculous. It's preposterous," she asserts. "Estrogen is the hormone of life. This is why we have estrogen receptors throughout our entire body. Your skin gets wrinkly. Everything's dry. We need estrogen. We need estrogen."
Dr. Simmons clarifies that the presence of estrogen and progesterone receptors on breast cancer cells is not an indication that these hormones caused cancer; rather, it signifies a more favorable prognosis, as these cancers more closely resemble normal breast tissue.
Moreover, she points out the inherent contradiction in the estrogen-cancer myth: "You notice that no one talks about the fact that progesterone causes breast cancer. They only talk about estrogen. Why? Because they have estrogen blockers, but we don't have progesterone blockers."
Dr. Simmons advocates for the judicious use of hormone replacement therapy, particularly in the years immediately following menopause, when the benefits of estrogen are most profound. "When we have figured out their why, when we have intervened, when we've gotten their inflammation down, when we've gotten them on a diet that is promoting their health, when they've prioritized sleep, when they're having movement in their lives, when they have healthy ways to manage the stress. When we can put that diagnosis in the rearview mirror, why should they suffer?"
Where Can You Find Dr. Jenn Simmons?
For those seeking to learn more from Dr. Jenn Simmons and embark on a journey towards optimal health, there are numerous avenues to explore:
- Follow her on social media platforms, where she shares valuable insights and resources.
- Tune into her YouTube channel and podcast, "Keeping a Breast with Dr. Jen," for in-depth discussions on breast health and holistic wellness.
- Consult her book, "The Smart Person's Guide to Breast Cancer," a comprehensive resource for navigating breast cancer from a functional medicine perspective.
- Explore the possibility of working with Dr. Simmons directly through her patient care services or group programs, available through her website, realhealthmd.com.
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Conclusion
Through her tireless efforts, Dr. Simmons is redefining the narrative surrounding breast cancer and championing a broader movement toward true, lasting wellness. Her message resonates with individuals of all ages and backgrounds, urging us to embrace our inherent healing capacity and reclaim our rightful trajectories toward vibrant, purposeful living.
Dr. Simmons is inspiring a ripple effect that transcends the world of breast cancer. Her work is a powerful reminder that our well-being is not a mere consequence of circumstance but a product of our choices and the environments we cultivate for ourselves.
Chronic diseases and environmental toxins increasingly encroach upon our vitality; Dr. Jenn Simmons stands as a beacon of hope, illuminating a path toward reclaiming our rightful state of optimal health and longevity. Her holistic approach to breast cancer and beyond is a clarion call to embrace our inherent wisdom, nourish our bodies and souls, and create a legacy of wellness for generations to come.
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