Ep. 196 - Naturopathic Medicine for Breast Cancer with Dr. Laura James

In this compelling conversation on this week's episode, Dr. Fiona Lovely welcomes naturopathic oncologist Dr. Laura James to pull back the curtain on the breast cancer journey. They dive deep into what it truly means to receive a breast cancer diagnosis and navigate what Dr. James candidly terms "the breast cancer industrial complex." This discussion moves far beyond simplistic narratives to explore the profound importance of personalized, integrative care that addresses the whole person—not just the tumor. Dr. James demystifies complex terminology, explaining the critical differences between receptor statuses and what a genetic link really means for risk. She outlines the distinct phases of treatment and emphasizes why having an informed advocate, like a naturopathic oncologist, can be transformative in helping women understand their options and ask the right questions. The conversation takes an honest look at the often-overlooked emotional and systemic realities, including the burden of shame, the critical need for a "buddy system," and the stark limitations of protocol-driven, siloed medicine. Perhaps most impactful is their exploration of life after treatment, including the controversial yet vital discussion around hormone replacement therapy for survivors. Dr. James provides a nuanced perspective on weighing quality of life and long-term health risks, advocating for women's right to make fully informed decisions for their bodies and their futures. This episode is an empowering resource for anyone touched by breast cancer, offering clarity, compassion, and a bold new framework for healing. Find out more about Dr. James: https://bestforbreast.com/ https://www.laurajamesnd.com/ Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, LinkedIn Thank you to our sponsors for this episode: 🌱 Ready to level up your nutrition? Check out AG1 for nutritional insurance on busy days! Visit our partner page here , to discover the ultimate all-in-one nutritional supplement. Plus, our podcast subscribers score exclusive freebies! 💚 If you're noticing fine lines, wrinkles, or sagging skin — thanks menopause —ugh, me too. Menopause can deplete your skin's collagen, speeding up aging. But here's the game-changer: Vitali Skincare has built its entire line on the power of GHK-Cu copper peptides — a proven ingredient that signals your skin's stem cells to produce new, healthy collagen. Head to vitaliskincare.com and use the code LOVELY at checkout for 20% off. Dr. Fiona Lovely is a longevity, health and wellness expert with specialties in menopause medicine, functional neurology and functional medicine. She is speaking to the topics of women's health around perimenopause and menopause. How to work with Dr. Lovely: We get many requests for this info, so here it is! First off, thank you for listening to the NYMM podcast. It's because of your support, we can continue to dispense this information.❤️ Follow Dr. Lovely on IG and TikTok : @drfionalovely Follow the podcast on Facebook: www.facebook.com/@notyourmothersmenopausepodcast There are resources available on our website: www.drlovely.com Please sign up for our newsletter - Fiona's Friday Favourites! This is where we make the first announcements, share course offerings, drop new episodes, blog posts and the coveted 'Fiona's Favourites' column, etc. drlovely.com Finally, a humble request: If you love the podcast, please leave us a review! It helps more people find useful info for a challenging time: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/not-your-mothers-menopause-with-dr-fiona-lovely/id1097326296 Please scroll to the bottom of the page to leave a review. Thank you! 💕🤗 Partnerships by Category3 Media Group