LISTEN TO THE PODCAST – Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, I interviewed Dr. Jenn Simmons, a former breast cancer surgeon who is now on a mission to change how we think about breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, and screening. Dr. Jenn shared her personal story of overcoming her own health crisis, discovering functional medicine, and transforming her entire approach to breast health.
We covered everything from the true drivers of breast cancer (hint: it’s not just about genetics) to the pitfalls of conventional mammogram screening – and how safe, effective screening options are finally available. This episode is packed with insights every woman needs to hear, whether you’ve faced a breast cancer diagnosis or simply want to stay proactive about your health.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why the “tumor is the problem” mindset misses the mark. In conventional medicine, breast cancer is treated by attacking the tumor, but Dr. Jenn explains why the tumor is actually a symptom of deeper imbalances that must be addressed for true healing. She now uses functional medicine to identify what’s fueling the tumor in the first place, from immune dysfunction to hormone disruption.
- The surprising risk factors that aren’t discussed enough. Gut health, constipation, mold exposure, mercury amalgams, and hidden oral infections like root canals and cavitations can all create an environment that fuels breast cancer… yet they’re often overlooked. Dr. Jenn walks through how to test for each and why addressing them is critical to changing your internal terrain.
- Why conventional breast cancer screening isn’t saving lives. Decades of data show that mammograms aren’t reducing breast cancer deaths or saving breasts – and may even lead to overtreatment and harm. Dr. Jenn breaks down the statistics and explains why self-awareness, targeted testing like the AURIA tears test, and safer imaging options offer a better path forward.
- The breast-friendly screening technology you need to know about. Learn about QT ultrasound, a breakthrough imaging tool that offers safe, painless, radiation-free breast screening – and how it compares to mammograms and MRI. Dr. Jenn has opened centers offering this advanced scan, and shares how it’s changing the way women approach screening with less fear and more clarity.
- How Dr. Jenn rebuilt her health after hitting rock bottom. From nearly dying during her own healing journey to emerging with a new understanding of breast cancer prevention, Dr. Jenn shares the most important lessons she learned along the way, and how you can apply them too.
Guest Resources/Connect with Dr. Jenn Simmons
- Learn more at Real Health MD
- Read Dr. Simmons’ Book: The Smart Woman’s Guide to Breast Cancer – a comprehensive functional medicine approach to understanding, treating, and overcoming breast cancer.
- Check out Dr. Jenn’s program: The Breast Health Blueprint
- Listen to Dr. Jenn’s Podcast: Keeping A Breast
- Follow Dr. Jenn on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube
Supplements We Discussed
- Vitamin D: Critical for immune system modulation and breast cancer prevention. Consider Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D.
- Vitamin A: Essential for immune function; many people (including Dr. Jenn) cannot convert beta carotene into active Vitamin A effectively.
- Our 7 by Ryan Sternagel: A supplement Dr. Jenn takes daily for anti-inflammatory support.
Other Tools and Resources
- AURIA test: At-home test for inflammatory proteins linked to breast cancer risk; use code THYROID20 or code DRJENN20 for 20% off.
- Cone Beam CT: Advanced dental imaging to detect hidden cavitations and infections (essential after root canals or wisdom teeth removal).
- Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal (SMART technique): A protocol used with biological dentists for safe amalgam removal.
- Mold Testing: ERMI testing through moldtesting.com and working with local mold remediation specialists.
- Breast Imaging Centers: PerfeQTion Imaging: Breast screening using QT ultrasound.
- Biological Dentistry: Find a biological dentist through Living Well with Dr. Michelle.
Books, Studies, and Articles About Breast Health
- Estrogen Matters by Dr. Avrum Bluming and Dr. Carol Tavris (recommended by Dr. Jenn on the safe use of hormone therapy)
- The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk (discussed in relation to trauma and breast cancer risk)
- Article discussing the Swedish Breast Cancer Screening Study: Swedish Study Links False-Positive Mammograms to Elevated Breast Cancer Risk
- Canadian Breast Cancer Screening Study: Breast cancer detection and death rates among women aged 40 to 49 years
- The Benefits of Vitamin D for Your Thyroid
- Approach to Fibrocystic Breasts with Hashimoto’s
- Are Dental Amalgams (Silver Fillings) Your Root Cause?
- Mold: A Potential Trigger of Hashimoto’s
Get the Full Episode Transcript
Let’s Connect!
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Got questions? Drop them in the comments! 🙂
About Our Host
Dr. Izabella Wentz
Dr. Izabella Wentz is a compassionate, innovative, solution-focused integrative pharmacist dedicated to finding the root causes of chronic health conditions. Her passion stems from her own diagnosis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in 2009, following a decade of debilitating symptoms.
Dr. Izabella Wentz has written several best-selling books, including the New York Times bestseller Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause, the protocol-based #1 New York Times bestseller Hashimoto’s Protocol: A 90-Day Plan for Reversing Thyroid Symptoms and Getting Your Life Back, the Wall Street Journal bestseller Hashimoto’s Food Pharmacology: Nutrition Protocols and Healing Recipes to Take Charge of Your Thyroid Health, and her latest book, Adrenal Transformation Protocol.
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About Our Guest
Dr. Jenn Simmons is a breast cancer surgeon turned integrative oncologist on a mission to forever change the way that we diagnose, treat, prevent and screen for breast cancer.
Her best selling book, The Smart Woman’s Guide to Breast Cancer, helps women both prevent and navigate a breast cancer diagnosis by providing them with hope and the one thing they truly need: a health plan.
She is the founder of PerfeQTion Imaging where they are using innovative, revolutionary technology to safely, accurately, and painlessly screen for breast cancer.
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