Herbal And Alternative Treatments For Breast Cancer
Herbal And Alternative Treatments For Breast Cancer
By Mary Hanna
Herbal remedies have been around for for thousands of years.
Now, women with facing chemotherapy and radiation
are supplementing this traditional medicine with herbal remedies
and alternative treatments. They are not abandoning the usual
breast cancer treatment; they are using herbal remedies and
alternative treatments to curb the side effects.
Ginseng has been used by the Chinese for centuries. They
believe that it stimulates the immune system and energies the
patient. There are more than 30 active compounds in the ginseng
root. Many of the compounds are believed to have anti-tumor
properties. In a Chinese study it was found that women who took
ginseng before their diagnosis had a higher survival rate than
the women who took ginseng after their diagnosis. Women have
reported that they have a higher quality of life and suffer less
depression while using ginseng.
There is a mushroom, the Maitake that helps in boosting the
immune system. Here again, in the East this has been used
widely. Lab studies have been done using liquid Maitake extract.
Many researchers believe that the mushrooms contain beta-glucans
which helps to enhance the immune system. They still don't know
why, but they are working on it.
Mistletoe extract has been used in Europe to treat cancer
patients for over 80 years. It has been shown to kill cancer
cells and boost the immune system. There have been very few
studies done here on mistletoe, but some research is under way
and will be out at the end of this year. Researchers are
studying the safety, the effects on the immune system and its
toxicity.
Acupuncture is especially helpful for nausea and post surgical
pain. Many studies done by research oncologists have shown that
acupuncture was better for women with than the
medication taken to fight nausea. It also helps in loss of
appetite, fatigue and sleep disorders. The AAMA recommends women
with should get acupuncture during their
chemotherapy treatments but only after you have spoken to your
primary doctor.
All doctors and researchers stress
Experiment seeks blood test for breast cancer (Reuters)
Reuters - An experimental approach that looks for the DNA leaking out from dead and dying cells may provide a route to a blood test for breast cancer, U.S. researchers reported on Tuesday.
Breast Cancer Patients Often Confused by Genomic Testing (HealthDay)
HealthDay - MONDAY, March 8 (HealthDay News) -- Doctors need to do a better job of
explaining genomic test results to breast cancer patients, say U.S.
researchers.
Certain Bone Drugs May Lower Breast Cancer Risk (HealthDay)
HealthDay - FRIDAY, March 5 (HealthDay News) -- Some types of bone-building drugs
used to prevent and treat osteoporosis might reduce the risk of breast
cancer, according to new research.
Freezing Technique May Stop Breast Cancer (HealthDay)
HealthDay - FRIDAY, March 5 (HealthDay News) -- Freezing breast tumors helped
stop the spread of the cancer in mice, a new study has found.
Radiation Most Effective Soon After Breast Cancer Surgery (HealthDay)
HealthDay - THURSDAY, March 4 (HealthDay News) -- For women who have had breast
cancer surgery, the question of whether or not to wait before receiving
radiation therapy has been answered by new research that suggests that the
longer women wait, the greater the chance of cancer recurrence.
Plant-focused diet may curb breast cancer risk (Reuters)
Reuters - Diets high in vegetables, fruits and soy might cut the risk of developing breast cancer by 30 percent, new research suggests.
Preventive Mastectomy in Opposite Breast Boosts Survival Only
Slightly (HealthDay)
HealthDay - THURSDAY, Feb. 25 (HealthDay News) -- Women with breast cancer
who choose to have a preventive mastectomy on their disease-free breast do
reduce their risk of cancer in that breast, studies have shown.
Access to Mammograms Drops After Guidelines Change (HealthDay)
HealthDay - TUESDAY, Feb. 23 (HealthDay News) -- In some states, access to
mammograms for women ages 40 to 49 has decreased since new breast cancer
screening guidelines were released in November by the U.S. Preventive
Services Task Force, according to a new survey.
Bitter Melon Extract May Slow, Stop Breast Cancer (HealthDay)
HealthDay - TUESDAY, Feb. 23 (HealthDay News) -- A popular nutritional
supplement -- extract of bitter melon -- may help protect women from
breast cancer, researchers say.
Mammogram Plus MRI Cost-Effective in High-Risk Women (HealthDay)
HealthDay - TUESDAY, Feb. 23 (HealthDay News) -- Annual screening with both
mammography and MRI appears to be a cost-effective way to improve life
expectancy in women at high risk for breast cancer, U.S. researchers
say.
that diet and exercise play
a key role in treating cancer. Stick to a diet that is high in
fruits, vegetables and grains. The National Cancer Institute
recommends at least 5 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables
per day. Phytochemicals are found in fruits and vegetables and
they prevent cancers in a number of ways. Research shows that
they help in detoxification of carcinogens, DNA repair, boosting
of the immune system and maintenance of cellular control
mechanisms. Obesity plays a role in getting cancer. Change your
diet, eat healthy and go for a walk or ride a bike. This is a
suggestion we should all take to heart.
These alternative methods may well help you through your breast
cancer treatment and perhaps even get you a speedier recovery.
New studies are being done everyday for women with breast
cancer. Discuss these alternative therapies with your Doctor and
always let your physician and your oncologist know about any
therapies you want to take, before you take them. This will make
sure that the alternative therapy won't interfere with your
chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor nor am I in the medical field.
This is just information that I researched out of curiosity and
the desire to know all of the options available.
Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.
This article may be distributed freely on your website and in
your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice,
links and the resource box are unchanged.
About the Author: Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives
in Central Florida. Mary has also published articles on
Cruising, Gardening and Cooking for more information on these
subjects visit http://www.GardeningHerb.com
http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and
http://www.ContainerGardeningSecrets.com
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