Should You Consider Alternative Medicine for Breast Cancer?

There are alternative medicine practices suitable for the treatment of several types of cancer. For example there is pancreatic cancer alternative medicine as well as complimentary treatments for thyroid cancer, skin cancer and prostate cancer. However, if you are one of approximately 200,000 women who are diagnosed with ductal or lobular carcinoma in this country every year then breast cancer alternative medicine will obviously be more significant to you than those treatments used for other forms of the disease.

It is estimated that one in eight American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some stage in their life. If you are one of those women you have some difficult decisions to make when it comes to treatment options. You must choose between conventional medical treatment, alternative medicine or a combination of both. Before you can decide whether you wish to try breast cancer alternative medicine in conjunction with or instead of conventional treatment you should know what it entails and discuss any decisions you consider with your doctor.

Research indicates that a woman who is suffering from breast cancer can experience some relief from side effects and symptoms and feel physically better if they make certain dietary amendments. Cutting down on the amount of fat in your diet and eating more whole grains, nuts, fruits, vegetables, beans and fiber may offer some relief. Therefore if you are consuming too much fat and not enough whole food you should change your diet in order to feel somewhat better.

Breast cancer alternative medicine also involves the use of certain vitamins, enzymes and medicinal herbs. For instance vitamin C, eleutherococcus and fish oil are all purported to be beneficial for breast cancer patients. Furthermore vitamin D3 is said to make chemotherapy medication work more effectively. There are also various Chinese herbal formulas that can be included as a part of breast cancer alternative medicine. Before trying any herbs, vitamins or enzymes check with your doctor to make sure they will not impede any other treatment you may be undergoing.

Some breast cancer alternative medicine does not involve the use of any herbs, vitamins, enzymes or food products. Many women have found some relief from practices such as acupuncture, yoga, massage, aromatherapy and meditation. There is some disagreement among medical professionals concerning how effective these treatments actually are. One thing that is certain is that trying different treatment options helps women with breast cancer maintain a positive mental attitude. A woman who remains optimistic and refuses to give up has a better chance of successfully fighting her breast cancer than one who is pessimistic and depressive.