Alternative Breast Cancer Treatment
While breast cancer treatments are common, other various methods have been introduced to alleviate pain and maintain healthy. The benefits vary widely, including psychological and physical advantages. Integrative medicine also allows women to have control over their bodies, whereas during chemotherapy or radiation, they have little control. Alternative breast cancer treatments are still relatively young, but over 80% of cancer patients have included integrative cancer methods into their prescribed breast cancer treatment. For those who may be interested in searching for different treatment methods, here is a list of common alternative therapies for breast cancer:
1. Nutrition
Often times, women will ask their doctors if they need to change their diet during cancer treatment. An overwhelming yes resonates from doctors, although the diet change is merely the usual: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and lean meats such as turkey, chicken, and fish. It is important to eat nutrient-rich foods, as cancer is a high-utilizing disease.
2. Supplements and Herbs
Since nutrition is vital in taking care of the body, taking daily supplements such as multivitamins helps the body perform better. The U.S. government does not regulate most supplements; thus, many doctors do not recommend anything more than a simple multivitamin or iron supplement. However, many women do their own research and experiment with different herbs or supplements.
3. Acupuncture
As one of the oldest forms of alternative medicine in the world, many integrative medicines have used acupuncture as a source of pain relief. Regular sessions have been shown to help with pain, nausea, fatigue, neuropathy, and hot flashes as well.
4. Massage
Another popular form of alternative breast cancer treatment is massage. It has been reported that women who attend weekly massage sessions are less depressed and have more energy; they also have a stronger immune system. However, if a patient is at risk of blood clotting, massage is not recommended.
5. Stress Reduction
Stress can be a significant aspect of any patient’s journey, but it also negatively impacts their body. Alternative breast cancer treatments, however, aim to lessen stress, which in turn reduces pain. Chronic stress also depletes the immune system. Many doctors have therefore founded programs aimed to teach women how to control their stress levels.
While traditional methods are still common, most doctors include integrative medicine to lessen pain and maintain immunity. However, a patient should always consult their doctor before starting any alternative treatments.
1. Nutrition
Often times, women will ask their doctors if they need to change their diet during cancer treatment. An overwhelming yes resonates from doctors, although the diet change is merely the usual: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and lean meats such as turkey, chicken, and fish. It is important to eat nutrient-rich foods, as cancer is a high-utilizing disease.
2. Supplements and Herbs
Since nutrition is vital in taking care of the body, taking daily supplements such as multivitamins helps the body perform better. The U.S. government does not regulate most supplements; thus, many doctors do not recommend anything more than a simple multivitamin or iron supplement. However, many women do their own research and experiment with different herbs or supplements.
3. Acupuncture
As one of the oldest forms of alternative medicine in the world, many integrative medicines have used acupuncture as a source of pain relief. Regular sessions have been shown to help with pain, nausea, fatigue, neuropathy, and hot flashes as well.
4. Massage
Another popular form of alternative breast cancer treatment is massage. It has been reported that women who attend weekly massage sessions are less depressed and have more energy; they also have a stronger immune system. However, if a patient is at risk of blood clotting, massage is not recommended.
5. Stress Reduction
Stress can be a significant aspect of any patient’s journey, but it also negatively impacts their body. Alternative breast cancer treatments, however, aim to lessen stress, which in turn reduces pain. Chronic stress also depletes the immune system. Many doctors have therefore founded programs aimed to teach women how to control their stress levels.
While traditional methods are still common, most doctors include integrative medicine to lessen pain and maintain immunity. However, a patient should always consult their doctor before starting any alternative treatments.
