Breast cancer is common mainly in women. In breast cancer, healthy cells of your breast become abnormal and grow in an uncontrolled manner. These cancerous cells multiply to form tumors. As per studies, 2.3 million new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed every year across the globe. 13% of women, which is approximately 1 in 8 women; and 1 in 1000 men, will develop breast cancer during their lifetime.
For better understanding and treatment, breast cancer is classified as:
- Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)
IDC begins in your milk ducts and spreads to tissues near your breast.
- Lobular breast cancer (LBC)
LBC breast cancer begins in the milk-producing glands in your breast.
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
DCIS begins in your milk ducts like IDC. The only difference is DCIS does not spread beyond your milk ducts.
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)
TNBC is an invasive cancer. It is aggressive and spreads faster than other breast cancers.
- Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC)
IBC is a fast-growing and rare type of cancer. It looks like a rash on your breast.
- Paget’s disease of the breast
Paget’s disease is one of the rare cancers. It looks like a rash and affects your nipple skin.
The mode of treatment is based on the type of breast cancer and how far it has spread. Surgery is the common mode of treatment for breast cancer. Women receive additional treatments after surgery, like chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy. Early detection and right treatment can reduce the mortality rates due to breast cancer.
Symptoms of breast cancer can be relieved with homeopathy and in some cases it can be cured as well.
Role of homeopathy in breast cancer
Homeopathic medications can help treat breast cancer by relieving symptoms like pain, swelling, inflammation, tenderness, blood discharge, and foul-smelling fluid. The medicines can help reduce the intensity of breast cancer symptoms.
The diagnosis of breast cancer leaves you with fear, anxiety, and depression. Cancer treatment can induce mental and emotional changes. Homeopathic medicines can help you deal with these emotions. Surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiotherapy can cause several side effects. Homeopathy can play a significant role in reducing these side effects.
Top five homeopathic medicines for breast cancer
Phytolacca Decandra (Phyt.)
Common name: Poke root
Sensitive and painful breast lumps are treated with Phytolacca. This medicine effectively treats hard breast tumors and inflammation around the tumors. There are often complaints of swollen axillary nodes, sensitive breast lumps, and cracked nipples.
Conium maculatum (Con.)
Common name: Poison hemlock
Conium mac. is a remedy that has an affinity for glands. It is prescribed for hard and painful breast tumors. Conium gives long-term relief in nodular breast pains felt before and during menses. There is a piercing or stitching type of pain felt in the breast. Pain becomes intense when breathing or while doing any physical activity.Also, b Breast pain worsens on touching the breast.
Psorinum (Psor.)
Common name: Scabies vesicle
Psorinum is useful in treating breast cancer with open ulcers. There is acute pain and burning sensation with the swollen breasts. Red nipples are characteristic of this remedy.
Scrophularia nodosa (Scroph-n.)
Common name: Knotted figwort
Scrophularia is a homeopathic remedy used for managing cancerous conditions affecting the lymphatic system. It is indicated in patients with Hodgkin’s disease who have a history of ringworm or skin eruptions. Scrophularia works well in cancer patients with low energy and constipation.
Calcarea fluorica (Calc-f.)
Common name: Fluoride of lime
Calc. fluor. is beneficial for breast cancer with stony hard tumors. This remedy is suited for breast tumors that are hard, swollen, and solitary. Breast complaints are better by heat and warm applications.
Causes for breast cancer
Mutations in the breast cells and the multiplication of these cancerous cells are the main cause of breast cancer. However, many risk factors can increase your chances of developing breast cancer. These include:
Age
80% of breast cancers develop in women above the age of 50 years. Thus, the older you get, the higher your risk.
Gender
Women are at higher risk to develop breast cancer than men.
Genetics
15% of people with breast cancer develop it because they have inherited genetic mutations involving the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Family history
Your chances of breast cancer increase if your parents or siblings have breast cancer.
Early menarche
The earlier your periods begin, the higher your risk for breast cancer.
Smoking
Tobacco smoking is linked with a higher risk of cancer including breast cancer.
Alcohol
Drinking alcoholic beverages regularly can put you at an increased risk for breast cancer.
Obesity
If you are overweight or obese, your chances of developing breast cancer increases.
Radiation exposure
If you have had radiation therapy for your head, neck, or chest, you are more likely to develop breast cancer.
Hormone replacement therapy
If you have used hormone replacement therapy, it increases your risk of developing breast cancer.
Symptoms of breast cancer
- A change in the shape, size, or contour of your breast.
- A lump or mass in your breast, that varies from pea size to the size of a golf ball.
- A lump in or around your breast without clearly defined edges.
- A lump or thickening in your underarm.
- Change in the feel or look of your skin over your breast or nipple.
- Pain or tenderness in the breast.
- The nipple looks swollen, inflamed, scaly, dimpled, or puckered.
- Breast skin or nipple looks darker, red, purple, or different than other parts of your breast.
- Clear, blood-stained, or foul-smelling fluid discharge from your nipple.
- Lumps don’t freely move under your skin.
Treatment for breast cancer
When the biopsy confirms it is malignant, your healthcare practitioner may suggest surgery based on the stage of breast cancer. The surgeries include:
Mastectomy
In a mastectomy, some or all of your breast tissue is removed. It acts both as a prevention and treatment for breast cancer.
Lumpectomy
Lumpectomy is known as partial mastectomy. In this surgery, only the tumor in your breast is removed, leaving your breast intact.
Breast reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is a procedure to recreate your breasts. This is often done after mastectomy or lumpectomy. The procedure includes silicone or saline breast implants, flaps of tissue from your lower belly, etc.
Breast cancer surgery is combined with one of the following treatments.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy works by killing the cancerous cells in your breast or cells that have spread from your breast. It is carried out before and after breast cancer surgery.
Radiation therapy
High-powered X-rays are used to kill cancerous cells in your breast in radiation therapy.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps your immune cells attack and kill breast cancer cells. It is used to treat early-stage curable and metastatic triple-negative breast cancer.
Hormone therapy
Hormone therapy helps by eliminating hormone access to cancerous cells, which they need to grow. It can also be used after your breast cancer treatment to reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy focuses on genetic mutations that turn healthy cells into cancer cells. Doctors determine the genetic changes responsible for cancer cells’ growth and survival. Then, they kill those cells or stop them from growing. Thus, it helps treat cancer without harming your healthy cells.
Diet and lifestyle changes for breast cancer
The exact role of diet and lifestyle changes in breast cancer treatment is still being studied. However, some diet and lifestyle modifications can help you manage it along with treatment.
Plant-based nutrition
Nutrition plays a supportive role in breast cancer management. Add seasonal fruits, fresh vegetables, and whole grains to your diet to boost your energy and provide adequate nutrition.
Regular physical activity
Engage in regular exercise. It supports your overall health and can reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence.
Healthy body weight
Aim for a healthy body weight with the help of a balanced diet and exercise. Being overweight can increase risk of breast cancer.
Limit alcohol
Reduce alcohol intake as it is linked with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Regular screening and check-ups
Follow recommended screening guidelines and consult with your gynecologist for routine check-ups. It helps to detect and address any potential concerns early.
Conclusion
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. If treated early, it can reduce the risk of spreading to other body parts and increase life expectancy.
Homeopathic remedies can help you get relief from breast cancer symptoms. Consult a qualified homeopathic physician before you take any homeopathic medicine for breast cancer.
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