A breast cancer diagnosis is devastating to any woman, as well as her family. According to the American Cancer Society, at some point in their life, one in every eight women receives a breast cancer diagnosis. In 2006, the last year showing complete statistics, doctors diagnosed more than 190,000 new cases of breast cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Sadly, these statistics also showed more than 40,000 deaths.
The data from the CDC shows that Caucasian women have the highest risk of developing breast cancer, with African-American women coming in second. However, the reseaaarch also shows that African-American women have a higher instance of developing invasive breast cancer at an earlier age then Caucasian women, which results in a higher death rate as well. According to the American Cancer Society, African-American women have a higher risk of developing tumors that are more aggressive; this leads to higher mortality rates, however, the reason for this is unknown due to a lack of study in this specific area.
The same data shows that those of Asian descent, American Indians, and Alaska Natives have the lowest rates of breast cancer diagnosis and deaths. The numbers for Hispanic women are somewhat misleading in these particular statistics because they were not counted as an exclusive group. Although it rates as second to heart disease as the leading killer of Caucasian women, breast cancer is the number one cause of death for Hispanic women.
A study in the May 15, 2007 edition of Cancer suggests, a primary reason may indicate a biological connection, since Hispanic women often present with tumors that are much more advanced. However, even at the advanced stage, mammograms often show little differentiation when compared with non-Hispanic women. Other factors such as socio-economic, a lack of healthcare insurance, and language barriers may also play a role.
What Now?
After the initial shock of the diagnosis, most women ask, “What do I do now?” Although several different treatment options are available, no “perfect” cure exists for everyone. The treatment chosen depends on a number of factors, including the type of cancer (invasive or in situ), the stage of the cancer, as well as other important health, and economic factors.
A study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) found that the cost of treatment for breast cancer ranges anywhere from $24,000 to $55,000, and up; it depends upon the treatment chosen by the doctor and patient. With many insurance companies requiring a co-pay of 20 percent, that can leave women with a bill upwards of $11,000 dollars out of pocket for treatment.
Because the cost of treatment is so expensive, especially to those who are uninsured or under-insured, many women look for alternative treatments in the realm of natural and herbal medicine. It is critical for women to understand how these treatments may help, and more importantly, how they might not work at all.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), provide two very different options, for example, complementary medicine is in addition to conventional treatment. Whereas, using alternative medicine replaces all conventional treatments. Many oncologists support the use of complementary medicine; they do not support a patient using only alternative medicine.
Complementary medicine includes things like massage, acupuncture, Reiki, diet, etc., which helps cancer patients manage some of the side effects caused by chemotherapy and radiation, but it is not a replacement for those treatments.
There is no natural way to “cure” cancer.
It is worth noting that many professional licensing boards approve several of the most popular complementary disciplines, such as massage and acupuncture, which helps to ensure the relative safety of these treatments. However, many other types of treatments do not fall under any licensing or regulatory board; therefore, research alternative approaches to treating breast cancer, and talk to your doctor before pursuing or beginning a treatment.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is one of the oldest healing practices in the world, and it helps to restore balance and health by stimulating specific key points on the body. Depending upon the condition, a patient may undergo several treatments. An acupuncturist is usually a licensed practitioner who uses thin, solid needles, the size of a human hair or smaller, and inserts them into points on the body that correspond with specific meridians.
Once the acupuncturist inserts the needles, they then stimulate them by hand or electrically. The meridians are the primary pathways through which the life energy of the body flows, but if these meridians become blocked, they result in pain and illness.
Although acupuncturists are supposed to be licensed practitioners, there are unqualified practitioners who improperly administer the treatments, which leads to nearly all of the complications resulting from acupuncture. Side effects include infection and punctured organs. According to a 2007 study conducted by the National Institute of Health (NIH), nearly 3.1 million adults and 150,000 children received acupuncture over the previous year.
Acupuncture helps treat the pain, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue often associated with cancer treatments. However, those diagnosed with lymphedema, bleeding problems, taking blood thinners, or actively receiving chemotherapy should not use acupuncture as it increases the risks of excessive bleeding and infection in these patients.
Aromatherapy
According to the NCI, aromatherapy is an excellent complementary treatment for breast cancer patients because it is highly effective and very potent as it uses the sense of smell to affect certain changes in the body. Of all the senses, the sense of smell is the only one directly linked to the limbic system in the brain that does not pass through the central nervous system. When applied to the skin, aromatherapy is absorbed into the blood stream.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils carefully extracted from plants, and each of the oils offers different healing properties, thus it is important for cancer patients to consult with a qualified aromatherapist to ensure they use the right oils for the desired effect.
Currently, no licensing exists for aromatherapists, however the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy, and the Alliance of International Aromatherapists, have educational standards for membership, and they are currently working on developing standards for certification. Other licensed healthcare professionals such as massage therapists, nurses, and acupuncturists often practice aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy is effective for treating nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, muscle tension, anxiety, and depression. Aromatherapy is safe for nearly everyone except those who are pregnant as some of the essential oils can induce uterine contractions leading to premature birth.
Massage
Thanks to popular culture, most people are familiar with the healing practice of massage. In the 2007 NIH study, it reported that nearly 18 million adults and nearly 700,000 children received massage therapy in the previous year, making massage the most popular of all complementary medical practices.
Massage is generally safe when performed by a licensed therapist; however, cancer patients need to consult with their oncologist before receiving massage therapy in the area of their tumor, as direct or deep pressure is usually discouraged. Massage can help with pain, fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, and anxiety. Massage may not be appropriate for patients with lymphedema, actively receiving chemotherapy, irritated skin, receiving radiation, or weakened bones. Those with these conditions, or who are pregnant, should consult with a massage therapist that allows them to tailor a massage to meet the patient’s specific needs and considering their health concerns.
Reiki
Reiki is an ancient form of Japanese healing that found its way to America in the 1930’s. While not formally regulated, it is the safest form of complementary medicine, as it has no side effects. When performed by a Reiki practitioner or master, it uses the body’s own healing energy to promote well-being.
The Reiki practitioner uses 12 to 15 different hand positions; either placed on the subject or just above them, and the person receiving the treatment is usually lying down or seated comfortably, and fully clothed. The duration of the treatment varies based on the needs of the client.
In the NIH study, more than 1.2 million adults and 161,000 children received Reiki healing over the previous year. Reiki effectively treats pain, fatigue, and anxiety, and is safe for everyone.
Prayer and Support Groups
Prayer and support groups often help breast cancer patients during their treatments. Prayer is a quite powerful tool, and support groups remind cancer patients that they are not alone. Often oncologists address spiritual issues with their patients as part of the treatment, not just as an end of life issue.
Through the prayer and support groups, patients learn how to cope with all of the feelings they may have about their diagnosis. While science is not able to pin point it yet, there is a powerful link between the mind, spirit, and healing of the physical body. Prayer and support groups help cancer patients in a variety of ways, including helping to alleviate the feelings of anxiety and depression.
Diet and Supplements
Diet plays an important role in the health of breast cancer patients. While there is no “cancer curing” food, despite what the late night infomercials might say; it is essential for the body to have the best foods possible to fight the cancer efficiently.
Eating a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, especially those with a lot of anti-oxidants like fresh raspberries, blackberries, and tomatoes will help the body fight the cancer cells. An in-depth list of foods that help fight cancer is available at http://www.cancure.org/cancer_fighting_foods.htm.
Soy is one food that is controversial when it comes to cancer. Some studies indicate that soy helps to prevent cancer because it has a substance called genistein, which lab tests show inhibit the growth of cancer cells. However, soy also has estrogen properties, which some breast cancer tumors thrive on, and it can actually make the cancer worse, especially in the case of breast cancer. Therefore, it is best to consult with a doctor before using soy.
In a study published in the July edition of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, fish oil may help fight breast cancer. In addition to the wonderful cardiac benefits that come from fish oil, the study of more than 35,000 women showed that those who used fish oil had over a 50 percent lower risk of developing breast cancer. How the fish oil works is still unclear, but it may reduce inflammation, which other studies link to the development of cancer.
No woman wants to receive a breast cancer diagnosis, but it is important for women to realize they are not powerless in the fight. Using complementary treatments in conjunction with doctor recommended conventional treatments, allows the women a sense of control that helps them actively participate in fighting their cancer. In addition, it is those who keep fighting that usually win.
Sources:
http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/comp_med/
http://www.cancure.org/cancer_fighting_foods.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/statistics/
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/61005/title/Fish_oil_may_figh...
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/introduction.htm
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/aromatherapy/patient
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/massage/
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/reiki/
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/spirituality/patient