Breast Cancer is cancer that forms in breast tissues. Around 17% of cancer-related deaths in Singaporean women are caused by this type of cancer.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer may include:
- A breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue
- A change in breast shape
- Changes to the skin over the breast, such as dimpling
- Fluid coming from the nipple
- A newly inverted nipple
Risk factors for developing breast cancer include:
- Being Female: Women are much more likely than men are to develop breast cancer.
- Obesity
- Old Age: The risk of breast cancer increases as the woman ages
- Lack of Physical Exercise
- History of Breast Cancer: If there was a breast biopsy that found Lobular Carcinoma in Situ (LCIS) or atypical hyperplasia of the breast, there is an increased risk
About 5-10% of Breast Cancer are the result of a genetic predisposition inherited from a parent, including BRCA1 and BRCA2. There have been controversies about the idea of benefits and harms of Breast Cancer screening. A 2013 Cochrane Review found it was unclear whether Mammographic Screening does more harm or good, because a large propotion of the women who tested positive turned out to not have Breast Cancer after all.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this website is only for education purposes. This information does not substitute nor replace medical advice.
Prevention of Breast Cancer in Singapore
A couple changes of daily habits may reduce the risk of developing Breast Cancer:
- Become familiar with your breasts through breast self-exam for breast awareness. Women may choose to become familiar with their breasts by occasionally inspecting their breasts during a breast self-exam for breast awareness
- Maintaining a Healthy Weight
- Reduce Alcohol Consumption. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink to no more than one drink a day, if you choose to drink.
- Increasing Physical Activity
- Exercise most days of the week. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week.
Outcomes for breast cancer vary depending on the cancer type, the extent of the disease, and the patient’s age. According to the Singapore Cancer Registry report released in 2017, Stage I breast cancer patients have a 5-year survival rate of 90% while Stage II patients have a 5-year survival rate of 80%.
Pathophysiology
Breast cancer, like other type of cancer occurs because of an interaction between an environmental (external) factor and a genetically susceptible host. Normal cells divide as many times as needed and stop.
Normal cells will self-destruct (programmed cell death called Apoptosis) when they are no longer needed. Until then, cells are protected from programmed death by several protein clusters and pathways. One of the protective pathways is the PI3K/AKT pathway, there is also RAS/MEK/ERK pathway.
Mutations that can lead to breast cancer have been experimentally linked to estrogen exposure. Additionally, G-protein coupled estrogen receptors have been associated with various cancers of the female reproductive system including breast cancer.
TXL Phytoceutical’s Published Clinical Research: Safety & Efficacy Towards Breast Cancer in Taiwan National Hospital
In 2012, Hindawi Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine published a Phase IIA Clinical Research of the Safety and Efficacy of TXL Phytoceutical in patients with Refractory Metastatic Breast Cancer in Taiwan National Hospital. The research team led by Wen-Hung Kuo performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial for 24 weeks.
Abstract: Patients were randomly assigned to either receive TXL Phytoceutical (Code in resarch: THL-P) or matching placebo and followed up every 4 weeks for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was changes in the Global Health Status/Quality of Life (GHS/QOL) scale. The secondary endpoints were changes in functional and symptom scales, immunomodulating effects, and adverse events.
Sixty-three patients were enrolled between June 2009 and June 2011. The intent-to-treat population included 28 patients in the TXL group and 11 patients in the placebo group. Compared to the placebo group, the TXL group had significant improvement from baseline to last visit in GHS/QOL (41.7 versus −33.3; ), CD3, CD4/CD8, CD19, CD16+56 positive cells, and higher levels of physical, role, emotional, and cognitive functioning, as well as decreased fatigue and systemic side effects. Treatment-related adverse events were mild constipation and localized itching, and no serious adverse events were reported.
“TXL Phytoceutical appears to be a safe alternative adjuvant treatment for patients with refractory metastatic breast cancer, as it effectively improves Quality of Life and palliates cancer-related symptoms.”
Conclusion: The research suggests that an oral administration of 20 mL TXL three times a day for 24 weeks significantly improves the Quality of Life, increases the Physical, Role, Emotional, and Cognitive Functioning, decreases fatigue and systemic therapy side effects, and has Immunomodulating Effects on lymphocytes in patients with refractory metastatic breast cancer. Additionally, TXL treatment did not induce any severe adverse events. Together, these findings suggest that TXL is a safe and effective Complementary & Alternative Medicine for patients with refractory metastatic breast cancer
Results of the Research on Breast Cancer Patients
1. TXL Helps to Increase Quality of Life
There was a significant difference between the TXL and placebo group with respect to the change in the Global Health Status/Quality of Life scale from the baseline and last visit. These findings indicate that patients administered THL-P had a higher and improved Quality of Life than those receiving a matched placebo.
Thus, TXL appears to be efficacious in improving the Quality of Life of patients with Refractory Metastatic Breast Cancer.
2. TXL Helps to Improve Physical, Role, Emotional & Cognitive Functions of Breast Cancer Patients
There were significant differences in the changes from baseline to last visit in four out of five functional scales (Physical, Role, Emotional, and Cognitive Functions), as well as one symptom scale (fatigue), between the TXL and placebo groups (P<0.05). Indeed, the TXL group appears to have improvements in these scales compared to the placebo group.
3. Immunomodulating Effects
There were significant differences in the changes from baseline to the last visit in CD3, CD4/CD8, CD19, and CD16+56 positive cells between the TXL and placebo groups (P<0.05). Specifically, compared with placebo, TXL appears to have elevated the levels of CD3, CD4/CD8, CD19, and CD16+56 positive cells. This signifies that TXL stimulate Immunomodulating Effects in Breast Cancer Patients.
Therapeutic Benefits of TXL Phytoceutical
TXL Phytoceutical has been used in international market since 1991. After 30 years of experience in supporting cancer patients, today the Research of TXL towards cancer has produced 26 international published peer-reviewed research articles, including 2 clinical researches, one for Breast Cancer in Taiwan National Hospital, and the other one for Nasopharyngeal Cancer in Dharmais Hospital Jakarta Indonesia.
TXL is also recognized in the Drug Dictionary of National Cancer Institute with code name THL-P.
There are 5 main therapeutic functions of TXL verified by its 26 researches:
1. Increase in Quality of Life
Research shows that TXL helps to improve the Quality of Life in cancer patients. Patients who consume TXL experience better physical and cognitive functions, with less fatigue.
2. Immunomodulating Effect
Immunomodulating means the ability to stimulate or regulate immune system which may help the body fight cancer, infection, or other diseases. TXL helps to stimulate Lymphocytes (by elevating CD3, CD4/CD8 and CD19), which are a crucial part of the immune system responsible to fight cancer cells, viruses and bacteria. The T lymphocyte, especially its capacity for antigen-directed cytotoxicity, has become a central focus for engaging the immune system in the fight against cancer. Basic science discoveries elucidating the molecular and cellular biology of the T cell have led to new strategies in this fight, including checkpoint blockade and adoptive cellular therapy.
Aside from T Lymphocytes, other classes of Lymphocytes include Natural Killer Cells, T Helper Cells, and B Cells.
3. Induce Apoptosis
Apoptosis is the process of programmed cell death. Today, apoptosis in cancer cells is one of the most studied topics among cell biologists. Both normal cells and cancer cells go through apoptosis. Cancer is one of the scenarios where too little apoptosis occurs, resulting in malignant cells that will not die. Research shows that TXL helps to induce apoptosis in a wide variety of human cancer cell lines without harming normal healthy cells.
4. Inhibition of Metastasis & Angiogenesis
Metastasis means the migration or invasion of cancer cells from its’ primary location to another organ. This spreading of cancer is the main cause of death of patients with malignancy. Metastasis of cancer cells involves multiple processes and various cytophysiological changes.
Angiogenesis, the process of new blood vessel formation, plays a crucial role in the growth and metastasis of tumors. Tumor growth and progression require angio-genesis because in its absence tumor growth is restricted to a few millimeters in diameter due to the physical constraint set by simple diffusion of nutrients and oxygen.
Research in vitro shows that TXL helps to inhibit the migration of various cancer cells, decreased the secretion of MMP-2, MMP-9, and uPA and the activity of ERK1/2 in cancer cells, and supress metastasis of cancer cells. Moreover, the research shows that TXL helps to inhibit tube formation of endothelial cells in vitro, decreased the secretion of MMP-2 and uPA in endothelial cells, and suppressed neovascularization of cancer cells. This suppression of tumor growth was associated with decreased microvessel formation and increased apoptosis caused by THL.
5. Induces G2/M Cycle Arrest and Radiosensitivity in Breast Cancer Cells
Radiosensitivity means the relative susceptibility of cancer cells towards the effect of ionizing radiation. One protein called DNA Methyltransferase (DNMT1) is critical in the activation of cancer. Research shows that TXL diminishes the expression of DNMT1, and therefore sensitizes various types of cancer to radiation.
TXL was shown to help augment the radiation-mediated suppression of clonogenicity and this was associated with a reduction in the level of DNA DSB repair protein, Rad51. In summary, the results demonstrate that THL helps to cause G2/M cycle arrest and promote radiosensitivity in human breast cancer cells.
TXL Experience from Breast Cancer Clients Worldwide
Disclaimer: The information presented in this website is only for education purposes. There is no guarantee for specific results, results vary amongst individuals. This information does not substitute nor replace medical advice.
1. Fighting Against Cancer with Beauty & Wisdom, I’m Healthier Now
Miss Edith Shih, born in 1952 Taiwan, the Founder of Chinese International Rehabilitation of Cancer Association, has passed away in 2021. Her story surviving cancer for 23 years continued to inspire breast cancer patients around the world.
Disclaimer: There is no guarantee for specific results. Results vary among individuals. The information presented here is for education purpose only. The information presented in this website does not replace medical advice from medical professionals.
Finally Decided to Take Responsibility of My Own Health
Since I was little, I often got sick and allergy. My immune system was poor and I fainted if I stood too long at school meeting. The first time I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 1998, the US doctor suggested to remove the entire uterus because I had no plan to get pregnant anymore. I decided to go with the surgery that only removed the tumor.
The next year, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. At that time, I decided to completely take responsibility to change my health and lifestyle. The doctor suggested me to do breast surgery in combination with chemotherapy and radiation. I chose to do partial tumor surgery and radiotherapy.
During the Radiotherapy Period, I Exercised Everyday to Increase Immunity
Usually I don’t exercise, but this time I woke at 7 in the morning, took the morning walk, and took a hot bath after to accelerate my blood circulation. At that time, I was able to drive myself to the hospital for radiotherapy. Maybe it’s because I kept walking, exercising, taking the hot bath and consuming TXL, that my body was strong with good immunity. At about the third week of treatment, I saw some patients came on a wheelchair and even young patients were pushed on a portable bed. Until the very last week of the treatment, I still drove myself to the hospital and walked just like a healthy person. The doctor was surprised at my physical strength after 7 weeks of radiotherapy.
Keeping the Habit of Taking Care of My Own Health After the Therapy
Getting cancer is like a drain full of sludge. Sludge must be cleaned first, then fill the drain with clean water. After the therapy, I kept the habit of caring for my health. I spent 7 years of adjusting myself living a healthy lifestyle after bad habits that accumulated for decades. Now I eat vegetables, tofu, five cereals and nuts every day and live a normal simple life. I don’t have to live in a mountain, I can live an anti-cancer lifestyle in my modern environment.
2. Miracle: Still Giving Birth After Having Cancer
Miss Yu-Pao Lee, born in 1960 Kinmen, Taiwan is a Breast and Cervical cancer survivor who did not only overcame cancer, but also gave birth after being a cancer survivor.
I am a down to earth Kinmen woman who was first diagnosed with cervical cancer and then breast cancer in 1995. In addition to taking the conventional treatment, I chose TXL as nutrition supplement and was able to overcome cancer and got my health back.
At that time, I was the number 8 patient who had cervical cancer and still gave birth in the world. In the beginning of 1995, I found my whole body skin was rough. After taking the papsmear test, I was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer. Like all other cancer patients, I took a surgery while keeping the capacity of giving birth thanks to the care of my doctor in charge. Two years after the surgery, I had my baby boy with joy.
5 years later, unexpectedly, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I knew some kind of tumor existed inside me, but I felt nothing uncomfortable, so it was neglected until one day I went to a temple to worship Buddha, a monk suddenly walked by and asked me to “pay more attention to my body.” I went to the hospital for examination and was diagnosed with 3rd stage of Breast Cancer.
In April 2001, after 8 hours of lymph surgery, I could not lift heavy things anymore because my arm did not have the strength. Through proper exercise and change of diet (no red meat, liquor nor fried food), I began to take good care of myself after the surgery because I still needed to go through chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
This period happened to be the darkest and hardest time of my life. One day, my brother in law found a book introducing TXL in a book store. Even though I was not very sure, I forced myself to drink TXL for my wellness. About 2 weeks later, my loss of hair decreased and my strength increased. It’s unbelievable, my Leukocytes increased from 2,000 to 3,000, and gradually to the normal level when I went back to hospital for examination.
Cancer might happen because of destiny, but we don’t have to feel sorry for ourselves, because optimism and confidence happen to be the best solution. After healing, my spirit became better, my hair grew back due to the efficacy of TXL, so I kept drinking TXL.
Here is my anti-cancer secrets:
- Drink TXL everyday to increase immunity
- Drink a cup of mixed apple juice and lemonade
- Exercise with hands and feet 30 minutes everyday
- Be optimistic and grateful
- Avoid fried food
3. I Treat Cancer Like a Chronic Disease, Just Like Hypertension or Diabetes
Miss Yu-Ying Chen, who currently lives in Switzerland is a survivor of Breast Cancer.
Being told to have cancer, most patients react with a question, “Why me?” There’s no exception that I’m also one of them. I live a regular life and go to bed on time. I don’t eat big meals, nor fried food, so I really don’t know how cancer came to me.
After finishing western medication, I was wondering if there is a gentler method for me. So I read a lot of books in order to gain correct cognition and opinions. I treat cancer like a chronic disease, like hypertension or diabetes. I take medicine regularly and learn to slow down my pace and relax. I also read some jokes and to make myself happy, thinking that I am just like anyone else, so I just need to play my role well and let others worry, I don’t need to worry.
On the other hand, I started to take Chinese medicine to increase immunity. It is TXL extracted from plants growing in Changbai Mountain. I try to eat 5 different colors of vegetables and fruits every meal to balance food. Family’s support makes me feel that I’m not fighting alone. I have hid myself and cried when feeling very low, but a good friend of mine told me not to be afraid, because they are all here for me, I just need to tell them my worry.
Friendship is truly the best gift in the world. Later, I formally became one of those volunteers. Contribute what you are good at, so I choose to teach students to speak foreign languages. My temper was so bad that what I think, what I say and what I do are all mixed up. I keep telling myself to stay calm, relax, and slow down.
I also notice that positive thinking and strong will both make us brave and confident when facing cancer. The power of faith definitely plays an important role. If we keep an active and positive attitude towards life, and believe that we can make it, then we can definitely make it! Listen to your inner voice more and help yourself move forward in the right direction.
4. Singing Loudly for Peace & Health
Araki was born in 1943 Tokyo. When Araki wrote about her journey of surviving cancer, she was 67 years old, and still joined singing group every day to sing words inside her heart. Her life was peaceful and healthy.
15 years ago, I had a uterine fibroid, so I had to do through regular examinations of uterus and mammary glands. 6 years ago, a lump was found in my left chest when I took an examination and it was confirmed to be between 1st and 2nd stage of breast cancer at the size of 3 cm. Therefore, I went to Yokohama Niseki Hospital (now is Yokohama City Minato Red Cross Hospital) for treatment.
The doctor explained to me that I should have it all removed so that I don’t have to worry about the possibility of recurrence. What can I do? I took the surgery to remove my left breast and began hormone treatment.
I lived every day with fear and doubt until one day a young relative suggested me to drink TXL. That was like a bet of life. At first, I wanted to refuse him, so I drank only 1 bottle a day. But who knew that I would still keep drinking TXL 5 years later.
Until now, I still insist on taking TXL every single day. These 5 years, I have felt much better. I sleep well, eat well, and my body and mind are both stable and normal besides the the normal average digits shown on my examination.
Though I am already 67 years old now, I join a singing group happily every day. Moreover, I practice Taiji for better circulation and adjust my health.
5. Almost Incurable
Suree was born in 1951 Thailand. She lived as a vegetarian for over 10 years.
Last month, I went to the hospital for regular examination. The doctor told me everything was okay and my body was very healthy and congratulated me for surviving cancer for 9 years. 9 years ago, I got a 3rd stage breast cancer and the cancer cell transferred to lymph.
A lump was found in my left breast in 1994, and I didn’t know what it was. It grew at nowhere but my breast. Luckily, I went to Crown Prince Hospital for my piles surgery and the nurse noticed that there was a lump at my breast while she was helping me with my electrocardiogram. She told the doctor and the doctor asked me to have section of the tissue examined, and the result was breast cancer.
At the beginning of 2001, my siblings took me to Siriraj after discussion. After the examination, Ratanawichitrasin, the doctor in charge asked me seriously, “this is very serious! What took you so long?” The tumor was 7 cm and too big to have a surgery, but he encouraged me to arrange treatments for me: chemotherapy first, and surgery after the tumor narrowed.
My state of mind has reached the rock bottom. I didn’t understand why I got cancer after being a vegetarian for over 10 years! And I regret for not telling my family earlier about my illness. My siblings and relatives loved me so much that I quickly became confident to work with my doctor on my disease because I wanted to take good care of myself, so that I don’t bother my family too much.
In addition, what brought me faith at that time was TXL! I didn’t know TXL until I had section of tissue examined at Crown Prince Hospital. After the confirmation of cancer, my nephew told me not to worry because I will get help from Western medication and TXL. TXL was not yet sold in Thailand then, so we had to buy it in Hong Kong.
Not before long, the doctor suggested me to have chemotherapy. I could hardly take it for the first time. TXL arrived on the 5th day after my chemotherapy and my nephew said this was the life-saving medicine while he fed me TXL. The side effects of chemotherapy gradually decreased and I could eat and sleep much better. Although the treatment and recovery took a very long time, but my life remained normal and I could take care not only myself but also my store business.
Although my stupidity delayed the best chance of treatment, I was lucky to meet a kind doctor and TXL that helped me through those difficulties. 9 years have passed by and my body is still very healthy, like a normal person.
