Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women. Most women realize the importance of knowing about this type of cancer, knowing early if they have it or if they are at risk of getting it in the future. Knowing all the available options when it comes to treatment is also key as finding the right treatment will go a long way in fighting breast cancer effectively.
Because the earlier breast cancer is detected, the sooner and more effective the treatment will be, the first step is prevention and early detection. A monthly breast self-exam is the easiest way to detect breast cancer. This can be done at home after receiving proper instructions from your doctor. In this type of self-exam, special attention is paid to any changes in the breast: changes in color or size, the appearance of lumps or bumps, and pain or tenderness in particular areas. Once any of these problems are found, you should immediately inform your doctor or gynecologist. They can then order more tests to confirm if it really is cancer.
A mammogram, generally recommended for all adult women, is another way to screen for breast cancer. The age at which you start getting mammograms will depend on your risk factors for breast cancer. The procedure will also help in detecting any changes in the breast, such as the formation of tumors or cysts.
There is a possibility that the tests described above could result in a positive diagnosis of breast cancer. If this scenario ever occurs, the important thing is NOT to lose hope. Unlike in the past, a variety of treatment options are now available. The first to be offered will most likely be traditional treatments. These include chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, and mastectomies. These, however, come with risks, are invasive, and often have serious side effects.
It’s important to realize that there are now options beyond these traditional cancer treatments. There are several holistic approaches available. Now there are even clinics that cater to people seeking alternative treatment methods for breast cancer. If you decide to pursue this option, the first thing you need to do is find a supportive doctor. Guidance from a licensed physician to oversee your care remains imperative. Finding someone who is willing to try other treatment modalities will make the process easier and safer for you.
Nutrition is increasingly being recognized as a way to help treat breast cancer and its symptoms. These include certain types of food, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Haelan is a type of liquid soy extract that has been shown to help block the blood supply of cancer cells, boost the immune system, and help shrink tumors. Another is flax seed oil, which is credited with slowing the growth of cancer cells and improving the condition of the immune system. Also, eliminating certain things from a person’s diet has been shown to help. For example, studies have shown that a diet low in sugar can help prevent cancer or stop its growth. Switching to a low-sugar diet can also help “starve” cancer.
Electronic or magnetic therapies are modalities that also show promise in the treatment of various types of cancer, not just breast cancer. These types of treatments include electrotherapy and magnetic resonance imaging. Electrotherapy is used to treat tumors in the breast with the help of electrical stimulation. This technique works by gently destroying the tumor. The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia and is not very invasive. MRI, meanwhile, uses radio waves. These are set to a frequency that specifically resonates with cancer cells, which have a different frequency compared to normal healthy cells.
These are just a sample of all the alternative options that currently exist for the treatment of breast cancer. However, always keep in mind that your particular treatment should be based on your beliefs, the aggressiveness of your cancer, and the condition of your body. Also, I cannot stress enough the importance of finding a doctor who will listen to your wishes and go with the therapy that feels right for you.
