People suffering from breast cancer often look for alternative breast cancer treatment to supplement conventional medicine and treatment. Some of the most popular alternative treatments for breast cancer include detoxification diets, acupuncture, antioxidants and traditional Chinese medicine. These have been popularly termed as CAM or complementary and alternative medicine.
People opt for CAM treatments to relieve pain, ease side effects and improve quality of life. It is true that certain CAM treatments are effective, but all are not safe. Ensure that conventional treatment plan laid down by your doctor should not be replaced with any complementary treatment. It is better to carry on with both the treatments provided the complementary plan does not interfere with the regular one and adversely affect its efficacy.
Complementary and alternative medicine treatment
- Special Diet
Breast cancer patients need to follow a special diet plan to ensure better health. Such patients should avoid eating food items that are high in fat content, pickled, smoked or salt-cured. They must double up their intake of fresh fruits, vegetables and any kind of plant-based foods. - Antioxidant supplements
Antioxidants protect the body from harm caused by free radicals. Dietary antioxidants such as vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, lycopene, and beta-carotene are found in vegetables, fruits, and grains. Take wild blueberries, goji berries, kidney beans, pecans and dark chocolate to boost the supply of antioxidants into your body. There are dietary supplements as well but there is no conclusive study about their usefulness to aid in cancer treatment. - Mind, body and soul therapies
The therapies falling under this category includes tai chi, reiki, labyrinth walking, yoga, meditation, aromatherapy, music therapy and art therapy. - Massage therapy
Massage therapy helps to boost immunity and relieve pain, ease anxiety and fatigue. At times massage therapy reduces the need for pain medicines as well. - Acupuncture
This alternative treatment for breast cancer is one of the integral parts of the traditional Chinese medicine. It helps to relieve breast cancer symptoms and side-effects of its treatment. Acupuncture can help to control hot flashes, relieve fatigue, reduce pain, reduce vomiting and help decrease nausea.
All these CAM therapies have their share of risks and side-effects as well. It is always advised to get these treatments only from licensed and professional practitioners to reduce the risks of adverse side-effects.